Story: Māori overseas

Haka taua (war dance), Canberra

Haka taua (war dance), Canberra

Some Māori in Australia have continued to participate in cultural activities such as flax-weaving and kapa haka (traditional performing arts). One group, Te Rere o Te Karakakao Cultural Group, joined in the ceremonies associated with the construction and dedication of the New Zealand memorial in Canberra. This photo shows the New Zealand Defence Force team performing at the dedication on the eve of Anzac Day (24 April) 2001. The memorial took the form of two 11.5-metre-high bronze handles of a kete (Māori basket) on either side of Anzac Parade. The symbolism of the handles is expressed in a Māori proverb, ‘Mau tena kiwai o te kete, maku tenei’ (Each of us at a handle of the basket’).

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Māori overseas - Retaining Māori culture in Australia', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4481/haka-taua-war-dance-canberra (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 8 Feb 2005