Kapa Haka in the cultural heart of New Zealand

Rotorua, is known to be the the cultural heart of New Zealand and home to the Maori people... Kapa haka is the song and dance that celebrates their heritage.

The kids joined the Kapa haka club shortly after we moved here and this week was the primary school Kapa Haka festival at the Rotorua Convention Center.

The "haka" is one of the components - a vocal performances used to make a point and to vent anger. The goal is to appear as menacing as possible - lots of aggressive facial expressions, foot stamping, chest pounding, and grimacing.

I can't imagine a better activity for elementary school boys...  if I could find a toddler training camp where Jude could let off a little steam - our house might be a more sane place to live.

Maggie adored everything about it and has redirected her career aspirations from fashion design to Kapa haka instructor.