New Zealand Haka Gear

All Blacks and New Zealand Maori Haka

In New Zealand the Maori people perform a haka which is a Maori dance or challenge. This dance (haka) involves the hands, legs, body, voice, tonque and eyes. The haka is disciplined and emotional.

The Ka Mate is a short free form of haka where the performers interpret the haka as they feel it. This haka is not a war dance as it is performed without weapons. This is the haka performed by the All Blacks at rugby test matches which has been altered over the years to make it appropriate for test rugby.

The first rugby haka performed at an overseas rugby test was on the 1888/89 New Zealand Native Teams rugby tour of Britain. They were the first New Zealand rugby team to wear the black uniform with a silver fern on the breast. The first team to be called the All Blacks and to perform the haka were "The Originals" on their 1905 rugby tour of Britain.

Many New Zealand high school rugby teams also perform their own version of rugby haka before their rugby games. If visiting New Zealand it is worth taking the time to see a haka and to experience its passion and force. Especially if you get the chance to see the All Blacks haka being performed at a rugby test match.

To see our range of haka gear please click on an item in the Blue Box above or click here.

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