History made at Go Media Stadium as Warriors debut new haka Ngā Tamatoa

A significant chapter in New Zealand sporting history was written at Go Media Stadium on Friday night as the New Zealand Warriors performed their first-ever pre-match haka before kick-off. The haka, titled Ngā Tamatoa, was performed ahead of the club’s Round 23 NRL match against the Penrith Panthers, where the home side secured a decisive 28-12 victory in front of 26,000 fans. Composed by Joe Pihema of Ngāti Whātua, the haka was led by co-captain James Fisher-Harris following a karanga by Waimarama Hawke. The performance featured Māori and Pacific players standing in a triangle formation, supported by kaihaka from Ngāti Whātua, while their teammates stood shoulder-to-shoulder behind them. The composition was designed to be approximately 40 seconds long, focusing on the concepts of strength and resilience. Pihema, who has composed over 30 waiata and haka, was approached in March by Ngarimu Blair, deputy chair of Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei, to create the piece. The haka incorporates tribal references, including the opening words “hōmai rā” and lines borrowed from the Kaipara haka, Te Puru Tokatoka. These elements emphasize the importance of remaining firm in defense while being flexible and unpredictable in attack. According to Pihema, the central message of the haka resides in the lines “he riri, he riri, he toa, he toa,” which speak to the inner strength revealed through battle. The performance concluded with the sound of the pūkāea, marking a new cultural tradition for the club at the ancient pā of Rarotonga. The Warriors' successful debut of Ngā Tamatoa highlights a deepening connection between the team and its mana whenua partners.