Manawatu area, I stayed 12 days in a Maori college for boys. From 12 to 17 years old, these kids receive a strong maori education to become Maori leaders. They learn Haka, play rugby, pray the god in maori. Their « short school Haka » is the subject of my last research their. We’re all used to see the famous « Ka mate » Haka of the All Black (without really knowing its meaning and its controversial use my the All blacks). The Haka is not only a war dance, it’s also a ritual for every important moment of the maori life. And the « Short school » Haka of the Hato Paora school is telling about their wish to make it good: « Eke, eke hara mai te toki.Tena hui e, tena hui e » (Let us rise, let us grow, and be passionate). The « Short school Haka » series will be shown at the Museum of contemporary Art of Wien (Kunsthalle) from the 3rd of July.
