Howie Tamati MBE and Ora Kihi on Rugby League and Haka

National Librarian Bill McNaught is pleased to introduce another significant talk in association with our exhibition, 'Pukana: Moments in Māori performance'.

Howie Tamati MBE and Ora Kihi will discuss the performance and development of haka by New Zealand’s national rugby league team the Kiwis.

Topics will include:
- The state of haka when Howie first played for the Kiwis and how that changed across notable victories against Australia during his time as captain.
- Cross-cultural considerations in the performance and meaning of haka in rugby league past and present.
- Ora’s creation of Te Iwi Kiwi for the Kiwis.
- The psychic and spiritual elements of haka: Te ihi, Te wehi, Te wana.

Join us at the National Library auditorium for a memorable discussion with two characters deeply involved in New Zealand rugby league.

About the speakers:
Ora Kihi(Ngaati Maahanga), Ngaati Mahuta), from Huntly, is the New Zealand Rugby League’s Cultural Advisor and composer of Te Iwi Kiwi, the New Zealand men’s Rugby League haka.