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
Perform a Te Ao Haka item to convey a local kaupapa involves:
- using key features in a Te Ao Haka item
- demonstrating understanding of a local kaupapa through performance.
Perform a Te Ao Haka item to communicate a local kaupapa involves:
- integrating key features in the Te Ao Haka item using hapū, iwi, or rohe variation
- demonstrating a connection to the local kaupapa through the performance.
Perform a Te Ao Haka item to express a local kaupapa involves:
- executing key features in the Te Ao Haka item using hapū, iwi, or rohe variation
- demonstrating an embodiment of the local kaupapa through the performance.
Explanatory Note 3
An item refers to a composition or performance which includes key features of Te Ao Haka in its movement, voice or lyrics.
Explanatory Note 4
A local kaupapa is one that has direct relevance for the learner. This may involve connections to whakapapa, rohex, or iwi. The kaupapa may also have particular meaning or significance for that learner. It can, but does not have to, involve geographic proximity.
Explanatory Note 5
Key features are discrete, distinctive attributes that appear in Te Ao Haka across disciplines, although they may not appear in all disciplines all the time.
Examples of key features include:
- wiri
- rere (of poi)
- takahi
- tū (stance)
- reo/hāngū
- pūkana
- whakakai
- tūwaewae
- mahinga rākau
- tū ā-kapa (formations).
Conditions of Assessment
The evidence for this standard will be provided through a performance by ākonga, which may be performed with or without an audience. It may be presented as a live performance, however, a recording must also be captured and submitted.
Performances may be performed as an individual or in a group.
Performances presented for another purpose, for instance at a community or school event, or as part of a competition may be used as evidence for this standard.
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:
- video recordings of the performance
- performance in front of a kaiako or examiner (must be recorded)
- performances on digital platforms
- a format as agreed between ākonga and kaiako as reliable and assessable
- a combination of formats as appropriate.
The ākonga must be clearly visible for the full duration of any recorded performance. If performing as part of a group, the candidate must be clearly identified. This ensures that assessors are able to observe the demonstration of the performance of the discipline and make accurate, reliable judgements based on the evidence presented. Clear visibility of the ākonga in the recorded video supports the integrity of the assessment process.
Useful Pages
Unpacking the Standard
Te Ao Haka is a living expression of mātauranga Māori, shaped by the stories and practices of hapū, iwi, and rohe. This Achievement Standard invites ākonga to use performance to bring a kaupapa to life — one that holds personal or local meaning. Through the performance of an item, ākonga explore how key features of Te Ao Haka can express this kaupapa, which may be linked to whakapapa, place, or cultural relevance. Ākonga consider how their choices in movement, voice, and lyrics reflect their understanding of the kaupapa, and how these work together to communicate that meaning with integrity and presence.
Variation across hapū, iwi, and rohe is an important part of this learning. Ākonga will consider how these differences influence the way key features are understood and performed, and how they can be woven into the item to strengthen its connection to the kaupapa.
This Achievement Standard supports the wider journey in Te Ao Haka, helping ākonga grow their ability to perform with authenticity and purpose while affirming the value of local knowledge in shaping expression.
Te Ao Haka is a living expression of mātauranga Māori, shaped by the stories and practices of hapū, iwi, and rohe. This Achievement Standard invites ākonga to use performance to bring a kaupapa to life — one that holds personal or local meaning. Through the performance of an item, ākonga explore how key features of Te Ao Haka can express this kaupapa, which may be linked to whakapapa, place, or cultural relevance. Ākonga consider how their choices in movement, voice, and lyrics reflect their understanding of the kaupapa, and how these work together to communicate that meaning with integrity and presence.
Variation across hapū, iwi, and rohe is an important part of this learning. Ākonga will consider how these differences influence the way key features are understood and performed, and how they can be woven into the item to strengthen its connection to the kaupapa.
This Achievement Standard supports the wider journey in Te Ao Haka, helping ākonga grow their ability to perform with authenticity and purpose while affirming the value of local knowledge in shaping expression.
The intent of the Standard
The purpose of this Achievement Standard is to support ākonga in developing performance capability within Te Ao Haka, with a focus on expressing a local kaupapa through a complete item. An item refers to a composition or performance that includes key features of Te Ao Haka in its movement, voice, and lyrics.
Ākonga will use key features to express a kaupapa with personal or local relevance. The focus is on how movement, voice, and lyrics work together to communicate meaning, not just technical skill. Key features like wiri, pūkana, and takahi are distinctive aspects of Te Ao Haka that appear across disciplines, though not always in every context.
As ākonga learning progresses, they show increasing depth in their connection to the kaupapa. This includes recognising and incorporating hapū, iwi, or rohe variation where relevant, which supports the cultural integrity of the performance and affirms the diversity within Te Ao Haka.
Consistency and cohesion are important in performance. These can be shown through clear expression and confident use of key features that reflect hapū, iwi, or rohe variation, helping to embody the local kaupapa. Together, these aspects strengthen the impact and authenticity of the performance.
Although the standard focuses on a single item, it sits within a broader learning programme that exposes ākonga to a range of styles and disciplines within Te Ao Haka. This wider context supports their understanding of variation and deepens their engagement with the cultural foundations of performance.
Making reliable judgements
This Achievement Standard focuses on how well ākonga use performance to convey, communicate, and express a local kaupapa through the performance of a Te Ao Haka item. Judgements are based on how the kaupapa is reflected using key features which are discrete, distinctive attributes such as wiri, pūkana, reo/hāngū, or tū ā-kapa, across movement, voice, and lyrics.
Ākonga are expected to perform a complete item from start to finish. The item should be cohesive and recognisable, with at least two key features present throughout. Even where confidence or fluency is still developing the performance should show a clear structure and a consistent connection to the kaupapa.
At higher levels of achievement, ākonga will demonstrate purposeful integration of hapū, iwi, or rohe variation. This may be seen in the way the key features are adapted or emphasised to reflect local style and meaning. The performance will show a clear connection to the kaupapa and become more expressive, with a stronger sense of presence and intent. Ākonga will demonstrate performance that embodies the kaupapa. The key features will be executed with precision, and the kaupapa is expressed with clarity and conviction. The performance will reflect a strong alignment between the performer, the item, and the kaupapa, supported by consistent energy, flow, and delivery.
Reliable judgements are based on clear, observable evidence — how effectively the key features are used, how clearly the kaupapa is expressed, and how consistently the performance maintains its intent. For this Achievement Standard, two key features must be performed consistently from beginning to end. These aspects help kaiako determine the depth of understanding and the strength of connection between the performer and the kaupapa.
Collecting evidence
Examples of ways ākonga can show their evidence include:
- video recordings of live or rehearsed performances that clearly capture the full item
- audio recordings to support vocal elements, especially where clarity or projection is a focus (to accompany a video recording)
- kaiako observation notes from rehearsals or informal performances that document use of key features and connection to kaupapa (to accompany a video recording)
- ākonga reflections or journals that describe the kaupapa, its relevance, and how key features were used to express it (to accompany a video recording)
- peer and self-assessments using structured rubrics that focus on integration of key features and cultural connection (to accompany a video recording).
Kaiako should encourage ākonga to build portfolios that include rehearsal footage, feedback, and commentary. This helps provide a fuller picture of the learning journey and supports reliable assessment decisions.
The ākonga must be clearly visible for the full duration of any recorded performance. This ensures assessors can observe the integration of the key features and the demonstration of connection to the kaupapa, supporting accurate and fair judgements.
Possible contexts
Contexts for performance should support ākonga to engage meaningfully with a kaupapa that holds personal or local relevance. These contexts help ground the performance in authentic cultural expression and provide opportunities to demonstrate hapū, iwi, or rohe variation.
Examples include:
- school or marae-based events such as pōwhiri, Matariki celebrations, or kapa haka festivals where kaupapa are locally grounded
- interdisciplinary projects that connect Te Ao Haka with subjects such as History, Te Reo Māori, or Pūtaiao, allowing kaupapa to emerge from wider learning
- ākonga-led creative projects where ākonga select and interpret a kaupapa that reflects their identity or community
- regional or national events such as Ngā Manu Kōrero or the local regional competition where kaupapa may be shaped by collective or competitive contexts.
Contexts should enable ākonga to explore and express their connection to the kaupapa while supporting the integration of local variation in key features. Kaiako should select contexts that promote cultural authenticity, emotional engagement, and expressive freedom. As part of the teaching and learning programme in Te Ao Haka, a wider range of key features should be taught in performance contexts to build deeper understanding. However, for the purpose of this Achievement Standard, only two key features must be performed consistently from beginning to end.
The intent of the Standard
The purpose of this Achievement Standard is to support ākonga in developing performance capability within Te Ao Haka, with a focus on expressing a local kaupapa through a complete item. An item refers to a composition or performance that includes key features of Te Ao Haka in its movement, voice, and lyrics.
Ākonga will use key features to express a kaupapa with personal or local relevance. The focus is on how movement, voice, and lyrics work together to communicate meaning, not just technical skill. Key features like wiri, pūkana, and takahi are distinctive aspects of Te Ao Haka that appear across disciplines, though not always in every context.
As ākonga learning progresses, they show increasing depth in their connection to the kaupapa. This includes recognising and incorporating hapū, iwi, or rohe variation where relevant, which supports the cultural integrity of the performance and affirms the diversity within Te Ao Haka.
Consistency and cohesion are important in performance. These can be shown through clear expression and confident use of key features that reflect hapū, iwi, or rohe variation, helping to embody the local kaupapa. Together, these aspects strengthen the impact and authenticity of the performance.
Although the standard focuses on a single item, it sits within a broader learning programme that exposes ākonga to a range of styles and disciplines within Te Ao Haka. This wider context supports their understanding of variation and deepens their engagement with the cultural foundations of performance.
Making reliable judgements
This Achievement Standard focuses on how well ākonga use performance to convey, communicate, and express a local kaupapa through the performance of a Te Ao Haka item. Judgements are based on how the kaupapa is reflected using key features which are discrete, distinctive attributes such as wiri, pūkana, reo/hāngū, or tū ā-kapa, across movement, voice, and lyrics.
Ākonga are expected to perform a complete item from start to finish. The item should be cohesive and recognisable, with at least two key features present throughout. Even where confidence or fluency is still developing the performance should show a clear structure and a consistent connection to the kaupapa.
At higher levels of achievement, ākonga will demonstrate purposeful integration of hapū, iwi, or rohe variation. This may be seen in the way the key features are adapted or emphasised to reflect local style and meaning. The performance will show a clear connection to the kaupapa and become more expressive, with a stronger sense of presence and intent. Ākonga will demonstrate performance that embodies the kaupapa. The key features will be executed with precision, and the kaupapa is expressed with clarity and conviction. The performance will reflect a strong alignment between the performer, the item, and the kaupapa, supported by consistent energy, flow, and delivery.
Reliable judgements are based on clear, observable evidence — how effectively the key features are used, how clearly the kaupapa is expressed, and how consistently the performance maintains its intent. For this Achievement Standard, two key features must be performed consistently from beginning to end. These aspects help kaiako determine the depth of understanding and the strength of connection between the performer and the kaupapa.
Collecting evidence
Examples of ways ākonga can show their evidence include:
- video recordings of live or rehearsed performances that clearly capture the full item
- audio recordings to support vocal elements, especially where clarity or projection is a focus (to accompany a video recording)
- kaiako observation notes from rehearsals or informal performances that document use of key features and connection to kaupapa (to accompany a video recording)
- ākonga reflections or journals that describe the kaupapa, its relevance, and how key features were used to express it (to accompany a video recording)
- peer and self-assessments using structured rubrics that focus on integration of key features and cultural connection (to accompany a video recording).
Kaiako should encourage ākonga to build portfolios that include rehearsal footage, feedback, and commentary. This helps provide a fuller picture of the learning journey and supports reliable assessment decisions.
The ākonga must be clearly visible for the full duration of any recorded performance. This ensures assessors can observe the integration of the key features and the demonstration of connection to the kaupapa, supporting accurate and fair judgements.
Possible contexts
Contexts for performance should support ākonga to engage meaningfully with a kaupapa that holds personal or local relevance. These contexts help ground the performance in authentic cultural expression and provide opportunities to demonstrate hapū, iwi, or rohe variation.
Examples include:
- school or marae-based events such as pōwhiri, Matariki celebrations, or kapa haka festivals where kaupapa are locally grounded
- interdisciplinary projects that connect Te Ao Haka with subjects such as History, Te Reo Māori, or Pūtaiao, allowing kaupapa to emerge from wider learning
- ākonga-led creative projects where ākonga select and interpret a kaupapa that reflects their identity or community
- regional or national events such as Ngā Manu Kōrero or the local regional competition where kaupapa may be shaped by collective or competitive contexts.
Contexts should enable ākonga to explore and express their connection to the kaupapa while supporting the integration of local variation in key features. Kaiako should select contexts that promote cultural authenticity, emotional engagement, and expressive freedom. As part of the teaching and learning programme in Te Ao Haka, a wider range of key features should be taught in performance contexts to build deeper understanding. However, for the purpose of this Achievement Standard, only two key features must be performed consistently from beginning to end.