Haka

Summary: This is the story of the haka 'Ka mate,' composed by Te Rauparaha who was a chief of Ngati Toa Rangatira. Ngati Toa chief Te Rauparaha is pursued by his enemies and fears for his life. At Lake Rotoaira, he is hidden in a potato pit, and Te Rangikoaea, a woman of great power, sits in front of its entrance. As he listens in the dark, Te Rauparaha hears his enemies, but they cannot find him, and he climbs back to the sunlight. As he recounts this adventure to his people, his words are repeated and the haka rings out, passed down from generation to generation. (Publisher)