Te Ao Haka is an expression of mātauranga Māori, shaped by iwi, hapū, and rohe-specific knowledge systems. Each performance weaves together layered elements such as movement, sound, rhythm, and voice, that shape how meaning is both conveyed and received. These elements do more than entertain. They communicate cultural depth, emotional resonance, and ancestral knowledge, inviting ākonga to explore how intention and kaupapa inform expressive choices.  

This Achievement Standard acknowledges the cultural depth of Te Ao Haka by guiding ākonga to explore how elements contribute to performance. Ākonga describe and explain the significance of each element within context, and consider how they work together to shape meaning and impact. This approach supports deeper understanding of Māori performing arts and encourages engagement with diverse Māori perspectives. 

The Intent of the Standard

The purpose of this Achievement Standard is for ākonga to demonstrate their understanding of the elements that bring a Te Ao Haka performance to life. Ākonga will describe a range of elements within a performance and explain what each communicates in context. They will also show how these elements interact to create impact and contribute to the overall effect of the performance.  

Elements are found across many art forms, and are components of a composition or performance that shape and communicate meaning. Exploring how elements work together deepens ākonga engagement and supports a more informed understanding of intent and impact within a performance. This also provides a strong foundation for ākonga to engage with performance more broadly, while strengthening their understanding within a Te Ao Haka context. Through this process, ākonga develop critical thinking skills as they explore how elements interact — complementing, contrasting, and influencing one another to shape the overall effect of a performance. 

Making Reliable Judgements

Ākonga will identify and describe three elements, and show how these are present within a performance. For example, ākonga might describe the element, identifying where and how it is used.

At higher levels of achievement, ākonga will need to explain what each element communicates in the context of the performance, showing an understanding of how elements reflect intent, emotion, or kaupapa. They will interpret meaning and consider the purpose behind performance decisions. Ākonga will need to analyse how elements interact to create an effect. Ākonga will discuss the relationships between elements, such as how the three elements interact to create a sense of urgency or emotional intensity, and reflect on how these choices may evoke a response.  

To support reliable judgements, ākonga need to consistently refer to the three identified elements throughout their response. Rather than listing elements in isolation, ākonga should return to these elements as they explain and analyse, showing how each contributes to the overall meaning and effect of the performance.  

Reliable judgements are supported by looking for evidence of progression, from recognition and description, through explanation, to analysis. 

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 elements and explore how their use and interpretation may vary across performances and contexts.

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

• local iwi or hapū performance traditions
• whānau or kura-based haka, waiata, or poi practices
• historical or contemporary compositions
• thematic explorations (for example, ceremonial, protest, or celebratory performances).

It is encouraged that all elements are taught during the learning programme to support broad understanding of the elements. However, for the purpose of this Achievement Standard, the term range refers to three, or more elements. A more extensive list of elements can be found within the Subject Glossary for Te Ao Haka.

Exploring how elements are expressed across different performances and disciplines helps ākonga build the skills needed to describe, explain, and analyse within the framework of this Achievement Standard. For instance, selected elements might be used to build intensity in haka, while in mōteatea, they may convey emotion and narrative.

Teaching and learning should prepare ākonga to apply their understanding across a range of examples. This might include analysing live or recorded performances, engaging in kōrero with cultural experts, or participating in practical workshops. These experiences help ākonga recognise how performance choices reflect kaupapa and communicate meaning.