Traditional Māori games and Haka

Performed at Tamaki Māori Village, Rotorua in March 2020 Māori people used to play stick and string games not only as a pastime but also to help improve their hunting and fighting skills. Tī tī tōrea is a traditional game played with short sticks. The aim is to pass the sticks to your partner without dropping them, while keeping the rhythm of the chant. It was a way to practice dexterity and alertness. Tī rākau involves poses and stances with a rākau (long stick), for warriors to increase balance and flexibility. Women used to perform tricks with the poi (a light weight with a flexible cord) while keeping to the beat, a great way to enhance hand-eye coordination. Finally, haka is a world-famous ceremonial dance.