A taiaha is a traditional weapon of the Māori of New Zealand; a close-quarters staff weapon made from either wood or whalebone, and used for short, sharp strikes or stabbing thrusts with efficient footwork on the part of the wielder.
Two Māori men wielding taiaha.
Portrait of Te Rangi Hīroa (Peter Henry Buck) dressed in Maori costume and holding a taiaha 1930s.
Arero's detail
Crest of the New Zealand Army, with the second sword swapped for a taiaha in Charles Bennett's honour
Kapa haka is the term for Māori action songs and the groups who perform them. The phrase translates to 'group' 'dance'. Kapa haka is an important avenue for Māori people to express and showcase their heritage and cultural Polynesian identity through song and dance.
Tairawhiti Society perform action songs at Whakarewarewa Model Village, Rotorua Maori Concert January 1975.
Young Māori girl performing with poi
Young Māori man with taiaha performing kapa haka