NZ Scholarship Te Ao Haka study plan

Map the whakapapa of at least three iwi or hapū haka traditions, listing named composers, tūpuna, and the occasion each haka was composed for

Summarise in your own words five kōrero tuku iho that underpin well-known haka, noting the version you are relying on and its source

Annotate one recorded haka performance, identifying the kaupapa, the structure of the item, and the role of each section (e.g. whakatara, ngā rā o mua, haka tū)

Build a glossary of 30 haka-specific terms (e.g. kaitito, kaea, wero, pukana, whakawā) with definitions in te reo Māori and English

Trace the origin narratives of at least two haka types (e.g. haka taparahi, peruperu, haka wahine) and explain how each narrative shapes performance expectations

Compare two published versions of the same kōrero tuku iho, identifying where they diverge and why the divergence matters

Explain the tikanga governing who may compose, lead, or perform a particular haka, with examples

Write a 300-word reflection on how your own whakapapa and role affect the way you may engage with particular kōrero

Analyse the poetic devices in two haka texts, labelling at least six devices (e.g. kupu whakarite, whakataukī, tāruarua, huarite, whakaritenga) with line references

Translate one haka text into English, then justify three translation choices where literal meaning would mislead

Identify and explain five whakataukī or pepeha embedded in haka and how each anchors the item to whenua or tūpuna

Compose a short four-line haka opening using at least three of the devices you analysed

Compose a complete haka of 12–16 lines with a clear kaupapa, correct structure, and at least four poetic devices

Record yourself performing your composition and review the recording against a rubric covering kaea clarity, rangi, and kupu accuracy

Analyse the metre, stress, and rhythmic patterns of two contrasting haka and describe how the text drives the performance

Revise your composition after feedback, documenting each change and the reason for it

Perform two contrasting haka end-to-end, demonstrating correct wero, pukana, and stance appropriate to each type

Explain the tikanga of a pōwhiri or hui context in which your haka would sit, including the roles of kaikaranga, kaikōrero, and kaihaka

Critique two recorded performances of the same haka, evaluating kaea leadership, ensemble unity, and emotional register

Document your own performance against a self-assessment rubric and set two specific improvement targets

Explain the protocols around using another iwi's haka, including when permission is required and who grants it

Analyse how a composer's language choices reflect the mana of the people they represent, using two examples

Write a critical reflection on the ethics of adapting or translating haka for non-Māori audiences

Identify three current issues in the performance or teaching of haka and summarise the different positions taken

Synthesise knowledge across all four domains by writing a full analysis of one haka covering whakapapa, poetics, performance, and tikanga

Answer three timed practice questions (one per major domain) under exam conditions and mark them against the scholarship criteria

Identify your two weakest areas from the practice answers and write a targeted revision plan for each

Rehearse an oral commentary on a haka, speaking for five minutes without notes

Complete two full mock papers under timed conditions and mark them against the scholarship criteria

Revise your three weakest areas using your own glossary, notes, and compositions

Re-record your composition and compare it with your week 4 recording to show measurable improvement

Write a one-page exam strategy covering time allocation, question selection, and how you will handle unfamiliar texts