Trade delegation to India

Māori Culture Strengthens Trade Delegation 

Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau-a-Apanui joined a recent government delegation to India, focused on both trade and community engagement while strengthening ties between the two nations. Their involvement highlights the increasing recognition of Māori culture and kapa haka as essential to Aotearoa’s international diplomacy. 

Kaitātaki Tāne of the rōpū, Tamati Waaka, says, “Haka is not new to anyone, even in the middle of New Delhi or Mumbai. Our identity as a country is underpinned by a few things—rugby, cricket (especially in India), and the haka. Although we perform entirely in te reo Māori, haka transcends language barriers.  

“Many locals came up to us after our performances, commenting on the energy and the wairua they felt. For many, they had only ever seen haka from a distance or on a screen—never this close, never five metres away. The power of that moment brought smiles to their faces and sparked conversation. And as we know, conversation is where many good things begin. That is the power of culture.” 

The rōpū are tauira of Te Waharoa, an adult community education programme offered at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, which nurtures and strengthens tikanga, āhuatanga, and mātauranga Māori, further supporting the values that guide them both at home and abroad. The rōpū also includes several graduates of the Awanuiārangi Bachelor of Māori Performing Arts.  

"Awanuiārangi has long supported our kapa through community education, certificate, and degree programmes. While much of what we do as a kapa is intrinsic, Te Waharoa helps us recognise the value of what we learn and not take for granted the lessons passed down or the level of excellence our tutors expect of us. This foundation naturally enables us to engage with people worldwide, sharing the meanings and values woven into our items." 

While in India, the rōpū performed at key events, adding a powerful cultural presence alongside trade discussions. They also visited significant landmarks like the Taj Mahal and India Gate and performed at the NZ High Commission in Dehli. 

A meaningful cultural exchange took place in the eco-villages of Mumbai, where the group learned about the villagers’ self-sustainable living practices.  

"Watching and participating with whānau living off the land in the midst of a bustling city was an eye-opening experience. It gave us a glimpse of how our tīpuna once lived—within a communal system where whānau tended gardens, raised children, and shared the responsibilities of harvesting and gathering.  

“The main difference was that their village was formed by like-minded whānau, whereas our tīpuna were bound by whakapapa to an eponymous ancestor. Sitting on a whāriki, eating kai that had been harvested and cooked in front of us, and using our hands to eat brought back memories of our kaumātua sharing meals in the same way when I was a child." 

Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau-a-Apanui's contribution highlights the vital role of Māori culture in shaping Aotearoa’s identity and strengthening international relationships. Their engagement with the eco-villages demonstrates the deep connection between Indigenous peoples worldwide and reinforces the importance of cultural preservation alongside economic diplomacy.  

During the delegation, key developments included the revival of Free Trade Agreement talks, increased economic and defence cooperation, and the creation of new business partnerships between Aotearoa and India.