Te Ao Haka is an expression of mātauranga Māori, shaped by iwi, hapū, and rohe-specific knowledge systems. This Achievement Standard invites ākonga to engage with the categories that exist within one chosen discipline of Te Ao Haka. These categories are not random, they reflect distinct styles or types of items that carry cultural meaning and purpose.

In this Achievement Standard, ākonga explore the categories within one chosen discipline of Te Ao Haka each reflecting distinct styles, meanings, and cultural purposes. Through critical reflection and cultural interpretation, ākonga consider how meaning is conveyed, how context shapes expression, and how categories relate to one another.  

This Achievement Standard supports cultural literacy and affirms the value of Māori perspectives by encouraging respectful engagement with the structures and knowledge within Te Ao Haka. 

The intent of the Standard

The purpose of this Achievement Standard is for ākonga to show their understanding of the categories that shape a chosen discipline within Te Ao Haka. Ākonga will identify and describe a selection of these categories, demonstrating how each carries its own tikanga (culturally appropriate practices, values, and protocols), kaupapa, and expressive intent, shaped by iwi and hapū knowledge systems. They will show how these categories are expressed in performance and how they reflect the structure and purpose of Te Ao Haka.

Each category has its own whakapapa, formed through iwi and hapū knowledge systems and shaped by context and intent. Understanding this whakapapa helps ākonga see that Te Ao Haka is not just a collection of compositions, but a reflection of mātauranga Māori and the cultural narratives embedded within it. Ākonga will explore how categories vary across rohe, and how context—such as pōwhiri, poroporoāki, tangihanga, or kaupapa whakanui—influences the choice and delivery of each category.

This opens space for ākonga to think critically about the relationships between categories, noticing similarities and differences, and using examples to support their insights. While assessment focuses on a select number of categories, the learning journey encourages broader exploration, supporting ākonga to appreciate the depth and diversity within Te Ao Haka.  

Making reliable judgements

Ākonga will identify and describe two or more categories within a single discipline of Te Ao Haka, showing what makes each category distinctive. They will support their descriptions with relevant examples that clearly belong to each category, demonstrating familiarity with their defining characteristics.

At higher levels of achievement, ākonga will explain the purpose and context of each category, showing insight into why it might be performed in particular settings such as pōwhiri, poroporoāki, tangihanga, or kaupapa whakanui. They will analyse the relationships between categories, discussing similarities and differences and using their examples to support these comparisons. This reflects a deeper understanding of how categories are shaped by tikanga, kaupapa, and mātauranga Māori.

Judgements at this level are supported by evidence of critical thinking, cultural insight, and an ability to interpret meaning within Te Ao Haka. Reliable judgements are grounded in how well ākonga connect their knowledge to the intent of the Standard, and how clearly they communicate that understanding in both descriptive and analytical ways.

For the purpose of this assessment, the same two selected categories should be referred to throughout. 

Collecting evidence

Refer to the External Assessment Specifications for further information. 

Possible contexts

Ākonga engaging with this Achievement Standard will focus on a range of categories within a single discipline of Te Ao Haka and explore how these are shaped by iwi, hapū, and rohe-specific knowledge systems.

Contexts for this Standard should be grounded in the lived experiences and cultural backgrounds of ākonga. These might include:

• local iwi or hapū compositions and performance traditions
• whānau or kura-based haka practices
• archival or contemporary items from a chosen discipline (for example, mōteatea, waiata-ā-ringa, haka, poi)
• thematic explorations such as ceremonial items, protest compositions, or items performed for celebration.

It is encouraged that ākonga are introduced to a broad range of categories during the learning programme to support deeper understanding. However, for the purpose of this Achievement Standard, the term categories refers to two within one discipline. While ākonga may explore more, only the selected categories will be assessed.