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Story: Kapa Haka

Kapa haka, Waitangi Day 1947

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Kapa haka, Waitangi Day 1947

This kapa haka group, unidentified but probably from Rotorua, is performing at Waitangi for Waitangi Day celebrations in 1947. Their alignment in strict rows is a distinctive feature of kapa haka and gives the art form its name. 

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Whites Aviation Collection

Reference: WA-06945-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Valance Smith, Kapa Haka – What is kapa haka?, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/43917/kapa-haka-waitangi-day-1947 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Valance Smith, published 15 January 2014, updated 23 October 2024.