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 critically with performance, recognising how cultural knowledge is expressed through artistic choices. Ākonga explore performance through a comparative lens, grounded in observation and analysis of how elements are used to convey meaning across different artistic and cultural contexts.

This Achievement Standard allows ākonga to demonstrate their cultural and critical literacy by thinking carefully about how elements operate within Te Ao Haka and beyond. It affirms the richness of Māori performing arts and promotes respectful engagement with diverse performance traditions. 

The intent of the Standard

The purpose of this Achievement Standard is for ākonga to examine how a range of elements are expressed in a Te Ao Haka performance and in another type of performance (either another Te Ao Haka performance or a performance from a different performing art). Elements are aspects of composition or performance that are present in, but not unique to, Te Ao Haka. Ākonga will identify and describe how each selected element is conveyed in both contexts, drawing out similarities and differences in their use. For example, while both performances may use sound to support rhythm and emotional tone, they may do so in culturally and stylistically distinct ways.

Ākonga will identify the similarities and differences in how the selected elements are expressed across both performances. This could involve interpreting how each element functions within its respective context, and recognising how cultural, stylistic, or structural choices influence its use. Ākonga will also consider how the same element may serve different expressive purposes depending on the intent or kaupapa of each performance, contributing to its clarity, emotional tone, or coherence. Whether present, adapted, or absent, each element is considered in relation to the kaupapa and how meaning is constructed.

This opens space for ākonga to think critically about the relationship between artistic choices and cultural expression, deepening their understanding of how meaning is shaped and communicated across different performance traditions. 

Making reliable judgements

Ākonga will engage with two contrasting performances, one from Te Ao Haka and another either from a different Te Ao Haka form or from a different performing art. These performances provide distinct contexts for exploring how the three selected elements are used to convey meaning and create impact. Through this comparison, ākonga can analyse how artistic choices reflect cultural expression and performance intent across different traditions.

Ākonga will identify and describe three elements in each performance and recognise similarities and differences in how they are expressed.  

At higher levels of achievement, ākonga will explain the reasons behind these similarities and differences, demonstrating awareness of context and intent. They will evaluate the impact of the same selected elements within each performance, considering how each element contributes to the overall meaning and effectiveness of the performance in its specific context.

Reliable judgments are strengthened by consistent application of the selected elements across the criteria. These should be purposefully selected to best support the analysis and evaluation of each performance and must be applied across both Te Ao Haka and the comparative performance type. This ensures depth of insight and allows ākonga to demonstrate understanding of how each element contributes to meaning, coherence, and the overall intent of each performance.

If evidence is provided for more than three elements, only three will be assessed. 

Collecting evidence

Refer to the External Assessment Specifications for further information. 

Possible contexts

Ākonga will focus on comparing, discussing, and analysing Te Ao Haka performances alongside other performance types. Examples might include poi contrasted with another performance artform such as contemporary dance, hip hop, Siva Samoa, hula, or ballet. Through this comparative approach, ākonga are encouraged to explore how performance elements are expressed across different traditions and cultural contexts.

Throughout the teaching and learning programme, ākonga should engage with a variety of performance contexts and a broad range of elements to support a deeper understanding of how elements function within and beyond Te Ao Haka.  

Teaching should emphasise the development of transferable skills in identifying, explaining, and evaluating performance elements. These skills will enable ākonga to make informed and critical judgements about how meaning is constructed through artistic choices. Any necessary contextual knowledge to support this analysis will be provided in the assessment materials.