A haka specific to surfing will be delivered at a wananga to be held at Ohako Marae in Gisborne on 4 - 5^th July. The haka has been composed by Derek Lardelli (Ngati Kanohi / Rongowhakaata) composer of the All Blacks haka Kapa o Pango. Lardelli is a well respected tohunga ta moko and a tutor of visual art, carving, whakapapa research and a kapa haka performer and tutor of regional and national teams.

The wananga is part of the National Maori surfers hui which Surfing New Zealand administers in partnership with Te Puni Kokiri. The hui provides a forum for surfers to come together to discuss and put into action plans for the future for Maori and the communities that are involved in the sport. Having someone of Lardelli's caliber to compose and deliver the haka will support Surfing New Zealand's desire for surfers and others to embrace fundamental values of the Maori culture.

Surfing New Zealand Operations Manager Steve Ria (Ngati Ruapani / Rongowhakaata) was prompted to initiate a haka specific for surfers after returning from the 2008 Oceania Surfing Cup in Tahiti.

Ria was in Tahiti with the Auahi Kore Aotearoa Maori Surfing Team and the team had been invited to several ceremonies and celebrations during their 10 day visit and performed Ka Mate at each one. One celebration was attended by 6000 Tahitians who performed their tribal songs, dances and haka. An alternative haka would have been a great opportunity to showcase the team as a group of Maori athletes who were in Tahiti to take on the best surfers in the Oceania region and some of the best waves in the world.

In some ways we are following in the footsteps of the All Blacks commented Ria. That is to have a haka that identifies our sport and who we are. Ka Mate is the preferred choice for most teams because everyone knows the words and actions as it is inbreed in us through the rugby culture. The haka is already an icon across the globe and the Maori culture is what makes New Zealand unique. Surfing is a global activity and New Zealand surfing teams are privileged to be doing the haka at opening ceremonies when attending events overseas.

In preparation for the 2010 World Junior Surfing Championships the New Zealand Junior Surfing Team will adopt the new haka and learn the values and importance it has as a taonga for the sport and the people involved.

The wananga is open to both male and female surfers, supporters and anyone that is involved in the sport or recreation of surfing.  Contact Maori projects manager Chris Malone for more details on 07 825 0022 or 021 984 937.