The story of our haka, ‘Ka Mate.’

We are writing to entertain.

In our written language Deltora has been working on narrative writing. The context of these examples of writing is: The story of our haka, ‘Ka Mate.’

Here are excerpts from their stories.

Over 200 years ago in Kawhia on the Waikato coast Ngati Toa lived, enjoying the rich fertile land and kai moana from the sea. Ka mate, ka mate  (I die, I die) ka ora, ka ora (I live, I live), the dance symbol of New Zealand was born here during the turbulent times of war.

It was prophesied a taniwha would be born, a boy child with 6 toes…Shakira

A prophecy foretold that a special child would be born. The fifth child of Te Wera Wera had six toes, it was the sign that the prophecy was coming true.  ‘The child will become stronger, smarter, he will have more wit than any other child. He will become a great leader.”

The child’s name was Te Rauparahara, he was destined for greatness and to be the best leader of the Ngati Toa people… Morgan

Te Rauparaha ran through the rough terrain and hostile country seeking an alliance with the people of Lake Taupo. Fearing bloodshed the chief sent him to see his distant cousin Te Whararangi. He would have to run through dense bush. War horns echoed through the bush…he had attracted the interest of the neighbouring tribes and a war party was sent out to kill him. There was nowhere to hide… Bowen

Dense bushes arched overhead. Jagged branches plunged into the hollow groves of trees. Weeds grew wildly, creating strong tight rope-like vines. Cold crisp air blanketed the rough terrain. Twilight fell. Echoing calls slithered through the cracks in the forest. Te Rauparaha charged into a sprint as he attempted to outwit and outrun the Tohunga and his band of men…Brodie

Te Rauparaha anxiously entered the fenced village and announced to Te Whararangi, ‘we descend from a common ancestor.” Te Whararangi then offered him refuge and told Te Rauparaha to hide in the pit of Maori potatoes.

He was crammed up against the rough dirt, thinking he was going to die, imagining what the war party would do if they found him. He had no hope. Fear began to take over Te Rauparaha’s body, he could hardly breathe.

The bloodthirsty war party raced into the village soon after…Renee

The hairy chief Te Whararangi talked and talked to the war party. The chief offered food and drink. Behind the chief was the Tohunga, looking for Te Rauparaha’s wairua or spirit through the night.

Te Rauparaha  crouched in fear, he was so quiet it sounded like death. The only thing you could hear was his heart pounding…Cody R

‘Ka mate, Ka mate, ka ora, ka ora.’ The haka was born. Joyful at his escape from death he danced this famous haka, a symbol of New Zealand. Beneath swaying dense bushes, light blue skies and white puffy clouds Te Rauparaha gave thanks…Kayla

Te Rauparaha’s tribe experienced unremitting attacks because other tribes wanted access to the rich land and seas. Ngati Toa had been forced to their last line of defense. Te Rauparaha journeyed, uprooted from his homeland to give peace to his people. He led his people to their allies but the troubles were not over. Through the bloodshed Te Rauparaha emerged triumphant. He spent the rest of his life avenging the death of his son… Anne