Purpose
Achievement Criteria
Explanatory Note 1
This Achievement Standard is derived from The New Zealand Curriculum, Learning Media, Ministry of Education, 2007, and relates to the objectives of the Big Ideas at Level 7 of the Te Ao Haka Learning Matrix at Curriculum Levels 6, 7 and 8.
Explanatory Note 2
Create a section of a Te Ao Haka item involves:
- creating an original section of a Te Ao Haka item in relation to a kaupapa that includes a range of elements
- describing the range of elements used within the section of the item.
Create an integrated section of a Te Ao Haka item involves:
- combining the range of elements to work together in the section to reflect the kaupapa
- explaining the purpose of each element.
Create a cohesive section of a Te Ao Haka item involves:
- justifying why the combined range of elements used in the section creates an intended effect relevant to the kaupapa.
Explanatory Note 3
For the purpose of this achievement standard, a section of a Te Ao Haka item is a short segment of either text, music, or choreography. It does not need to include a complete narrative and could be part of a larger Te Ao Haka item.
Explanatory Note 4
An item refers to a composition or performance which includes key features of Te Ao Haka in its movement, voice, and lyrics.
Explanatory Note 5
Elements are aspects of a composition or performance that are present in but not unique to Te Ao Haka.
Examples of elements include:
- tempo
- dynamics
- characterisation
- voice
- point of view.
A more extensive list of elements is available within the Subject Glossary for Te Ao Haka https://ncea.education.govt.nz/arts/te-ao-haka?view=subject-glossary.
Conditions of Assessment
The evidence for this standard will be the creation of an original section of a Te Ao Haka item by ākonga, consisting of a short segment of text, music, or choreography. It may be presented as a live performance, however, a recording must also be captured. Submissions must also include accompanying written or verbal text as part of their evidence.
If original text is selected as the form of the section, each individual ākonga is expected to submit their own original text. Ākonga are encouraged to compose their work in te reo Māori. The final piece should be approximately 100–150 words.
For original music or choreography submissions, each ākonga must present an individual composition or performance, approximately 30 to 60 seconds in length. While collaborative work is permitted, assessment will focus on the contribution of each individual ākonga. It is important that individual input is clearly identifiable within the group context. A recording of the music or choreographed section is required to support assessor judgements and for moderation purposes.
Whether the submission is original text, music, or choreography, it must be accompanied by an explanation of approximately 350 words to meet the achievement criteria. This explanation should clearly articulate the intent behind the creative choices and how they contribute to the overall coherence of the section. Ākonga may write their explanation in either English or te reo Māori.
Kaiako should ensure the rigour of the outcome is appropriate for Level 7 of the New Zealand Curriculum.
Evidence may be presented through physical demonstration or other formats, including:
- written text
- audio or video recordings
- in-class presentation
- performance in front of a kaiako or examiner
- performance on digital platforms
- format as agreed between ākonga and kaiako as reliable and assessable
- a combination of formats as appropriate.
Useful Pages
Unpacking the Standard
Te Ao Haka is a living expression of mātauranga Māori, shaped by iwi, hapū, and rohe-specific knowledge systems. This Achievement Standard encourages ākonga to be creative in shaping a section of a Te Ao Haka item in response to a kaupapa. Through this process, they make intentional choices about how elements are used to express meaning, showing how performance can reflect and honour cultural narratives.
This Achievement Standard recognises creativity as a vital part of composition within Te Ao Haka. Ākonga explore how elements can be purposefully combined to reflect kaupapa in a cohesive and culturally meaningful way. Through this creative process, they contribute to the ongoing evolution of Te Ao Haka, honouring its foundations while shaping its future.
Te Ao Haka is a living expression of mātauranga Māori, shaped by iwi, hapū, and rohe-specific knowledge systems. This Achievement Standard encourages ākonga to be creative in shaping a section of a Te Ao Haka item in response to a kaupapa. Through this process, they make intentional choices about how elements are used to express meaning, showing how performance can reflect and honour cultural narratives.
This Achievement Standard recognises creativity as a vital part of composition within Te Ao Haka. Ākonga explore how elements can be purposefully combined to reflect kaupapa in a cohesive and culturally meaningful way. Through this creative process, they contribute to the ongoing evolution of Te Ao Haka, honouring its foundations while shaping its future.
The Intent of the Standard
The purpose of this Achievement Standard is for ākonga to show their creativity through the composition of a short, original section of a Te Ao Haka item in relation to a kaupapa. Ākonga will describe a range of elements — aspects of composition or performance found across art forms — to shape their ideas and reflect a kaupapa. The section may take the form of original text, music, or choreography, and does not need to include a complete narrative. This flexible approach supports creative exploration and allows ākonga to build on their strengths, guided by their kaiako.
As their understanding deepens, ākonga learn to combine elements in purposeful ways to reflect the kaupapa, explaining how each element contributes to the overall intent. Creating a cohesive section of a Te Ao Haka item involves justifying how the chosen combination of elements produces an intended effect that aligns with the kaupapa. This process encourages thoughtful decision-making that supports the kaupapa while affirming creativity and cultural expression within Te Ao Haka. By exploring how meaning is shaped through the deliberate integration of elements, ākonga develop a deeper connection to Te Ao Haka as both a cultural and artistic form.
Making Reliable Judgements
Ākonga are required to compose a short, original section of a Te Ao Haka item in relation to a kaupapa. This may be expressed through original text, music, or choreography, and should demonstrate the purposeful use of three elements. The section does not need to present a complete narrative and may form part of a larger Te Ao Haka item. However, it must clearly and intentionally relate to the kaupapa.
While range refers to three or more elements, only three will be assessed. These should be purposefully selected to best demonstrate ākonga understanding and ability to communicate the characteristics and intent of each element.
At higher levels of achievement, ākonga demonstrate increasing clarity and intention in how their section is constructed. The three elements used, whether in text, music, or choreography, are not only present but are purposefully selected and combined to work together in support of the section’s overall design. Ākonga are able to explain the role each element plays, showing how their choices contribute to the shaping of the section in a way that reflects the kaupapa. Ākonga will begin to justify how the interaction of the same elements creates a specific and intended effect. This could include a discussion of why the section holds together well as a unified whole, with each element contributing meaningfully to its impact and coherence.
The focus of this Achievement Standard is on how effectively the elements are selected, described, and integrated to shape a coherent and meaningful composition, rather than the quantity of elements included.
Collecting Evidence
Ākonga can gather evidence for this Achievement Standard throughout the learning programme, to allow time for ideas to grow and improve. The original section may be presented as a short segment of either text, music, or choreography. For original text submissions, ākonga are encouraged to compose their work in te reo Māori. This supports the integrity of Te Ao Haka and affirms te reo as a vital medium for cultural expression within this kaupapa ako. Each individual ākonga is expected to submit their own original text, demonstrating personal understanding and voice. For written submissions, the final piece should be approximately 100–150 words.
For original music or choreography submissions, each ākonga must present an individual composition or performance, approximately 30 to 60 seconds in length. While collaborative work is permitted, assessment will focus on each individual's contribution. It is essential that each ākonga contributes in a way that is clearly identifiable within the group context to ensure fair and accurate evaluation.
Whether the submission is original text, music, or choreography, it must be accompanied by an explanation of approximately 350 words to meet the achievement criteria. This explanation must include the intent behind the creative choices and how they contribute to the overall coherence of the section. Ākonga may write their explanation in either English or te reo Māori.
Evidence can be collected through:
- planning notes or journals — ākonga record their ideas and how their composition develops over time
- class activities — drafts, rehearsals, and feedback sessions can be used as evidence
- annotated drafts — early versions of Te Ao Haka items with notes explaining changes and decisions
- regular check-ins — kaiako can talk with ākonga during the process to support and confirm the work is their own
- use of digital tools — if ākonga use AI or other assistive technology they should clearly show what they created themselves. Kaiako may need to monitor this to ensure authenticity.
Collecting evidence during learning makes the process more natural and supports genuine, original work.
Possible Contexts
Ākonga will focus on composing original text, music, or choreography in a range of meaningful contexts.
Examples might include:
- local and group identity — create a Te Ao Haka item that reflects a local story, value, or event, or represents your whānau, hapū, iwi, kura, kapa haka rōpū, or sports team
- contemporary issues — respond to a current social or cultural issue such as indigenous rights, climate change, or te reo Māori revitalisation
- tradition reimagined — rework a traditional haka or waiata, or use a whakataukī/whakatauākī as inspiration to express your own voice
- collaborative expression — combine haka with other cultural performance styles to explore and express a shared kaupapa.
It is encouraged that a broad range of elements are taught during the learning programme to support deeper understanding of Te Ao Haka. For the purpose of this Achievement Standard, the term range refers to three or more elements. While more than three may be explored, only three selected elements will be assessed. These should be intentionally chosen to reflect understanding and creative intent.
Consistency in the selected elements across all criteria supports reliable assessment and highlights the progression of understanding.
The Intent of the Standard
The purpose of this Achievement Standard is for ākonga to show their creativity through the composition of a short, original section of a Te Ao Haka item in relation to a kaupapa. Ākonga will describe a range of elements — aspects of composition or performance found across art forms — to shape their ideas and reflect a kaupapa. The section may take the form of original text, music, or choreography, and does not need to include a complete narrative. This flexible approach supports creative exploration and allows ākonga to build on their strengths, guided by their kaiako.
As their understanding deepens, ākonga learn to combine elements in purposeful ways to reflect the kaupapa, explaining how each element contributes to the overall intent. Creating a cohesive section of a Te Ao Haka item involves justifying how the chosen combination of elements produces an intended effect that aligns with the kaupapa. This process encourages thoughtful decision-making that supports the kaupapa while affirming creativity and cultural expression within Te Ao Haka. By exploring how meaning is shaped through the deliberate integration of elements, ākonga develop a deeper connection to Te Ao Haka as both a cultural and artistic form.
Making Reliable Judgements
Ākonga are required to compose a short, original section of a Te Ao Haka item in relation to a kaupapa. This may be expressed through original text, music, or choreography, and should demonstrate the purposeful use of three elements. The section does not need to present a complete narrative and may form part of a larger Te Ao Haka item. However, it must clearly and intentionally relate to the kaupapa.
While range refers to three or more elements, only three will be assessed. These should be purposefully selected to best demonstrate ākonga understanding and ability to communicate the characteristics and intent of each element.
At higher levels of achievement, ākonga demonstrate increasing clarity and intention in how their section is constructed. The three elements used, whether in text, music, or choreography, are not only present but are purposefully selected and combined to work together in support of the section’s overall design. Ākonga are able to explain the role each element plays, showing how their choices contribute to the shaping of the section in a way that reflects the kaupapa. Ākonga will begin to justify how the interaction of the same elements creates a specific and intended effect. This could include a discussion of why the section holds together well as a unified whole, with each element contributing meaningfully to its impact and coherence.
The focus of this Achievement Standard is on how effectively the elements are selected, described, and integrated to shape a coherent and meaningful composition, rather than the quantity of elements included.
Collecting Evidence
Ākonga can gather evidence for this Achievement Standard throughout the learning programme, to allow time for ideas to grow and improve. The original section may be presented as a short segment of either text, music, or choreography. For original text submissions, ākonga are encouraged to compose their work in te reo Māori. This supports the integrity of Te Ao Haka and affirms te reo as a vital medium for cultural expression within this kaupapa ako. Each individual ākonga is expected to submit their own original text, demonstrating personal understanding and voice. For written submissions, the final piece should be approximately 100–150 words.
For original music or choreography submissions, each ākonga must present an individual composition or performance, approximately 30 to 60 seconds in length. While collaborative work is permitted, assessment will focus on each individual's contribution. It is essential that each ākonga contributes in a way that is clearly identifiable within the group context to ensure fair and accurate evaluation.
Whether the submission is original text, music, or choreography, it must be accompanied by an explanation of approximately 350 words to meet the achievement criteria. This explanation must include the intent behind the creative choices and how they contribute to the overall coherence of the section. Ākonga may write their explanation in either English or te reo Māori.
Evidence can be collected through:
- planning notes or journals — ākonga record their ideas and how their composition develops over time
- class activities — drafts, rehearsals, and feedback sessions can be used as evidence
- annotated drafts — early versions of Te Ao Haka items with notes explaining changes and decisions
- regular check-ins — kaiako can talk with ākonga during the process to support and confirm the work is their own
- use of digital tools — if ākonga use AI or other assistive technology they should clearly show what they created themselves. Kaiako may need to monitor this to ensure authenticity.
Collecting evidence during learning makes the process more natural and supports genuine, original work.
Possible Contexts
Ākonga will focus on composing original text, music, or choreography in a range of meaningful contexts.
Examples might include:
- local and group identity — create a Te Ao Haka item that reflects a local story, value, or event, or represents your whānau, hapū, iwi, kura, kapa haka rōpū, or sports team
- contemporary issues — respond to a current social or cultural issue such as indigenous rights, climate change, or te reo Māori revitalisation
- tradition reimagined — rework a traditional haka or waiata, or use a whakataukī/whakatauākī as inspiration to express your own voice
- collaborative expression — combine haka with other cultural performance styles to explore and express a shared kaupapa.
It is encouraged that a broad range of elements are taught during the learning programme to support deeper understanding of Te Ao Haka. For the purpose of this Achievement Standard, the term range refers to three or more elements. While more than three may be explored, only three selected elements will be assessed. These should be intentionally chosen to reflect understanding and creative intent.
Consistency in the selected elements across all criteria supports reliable assessment and highlights the progression of understanding.