Howie Tamati MBE and Tony Kemp — Haka and New Zealand Kiwis Rugby League

National Librarian Bill McNaught is pleased to introduce another significant talk in association with our exhibition, 'Pukana: Moments in Māori performance'.

Howie Tamati MBE and ex- NZ Kiwis player and coach Tony Kemp will discuss the performance and development of haka by New Zealand’s national rugby league team the Kiwis.

Topics will include:

• The state of haka when Howie first played for the Kiwis and how that changed across notable victories against Australia during his time as captain.

• Cross-cultural considerations in the performance and meaning of haka in rugby league past and present.

• The psychic and spiritual elements of haka: Te ihi, Te wehi, Te wana.

Join us at the National Library auditorium for a memorable discussion with two characters deeply involved in New Zealand rugby league.

About the speakers

Howie Tamati (Te Ati Awa, Ngati Mutunga, Ngai Tahu), from Waitara, played for and captained the New Zealand Kiwis rugby league team 1979-1985. He served three terms as a New Plymouth District Councillor and has been a staunch advocate for those whose lands were stolen by the Crown during and after the Land Wars. Howie is currently Chair of the New Zealand Maori Rugby League and President of the New Zealand Rugby League.

Tony Kemp, like Howie Tamati, also grew up in Waitara, Taranaki. He played rugby league for Taranaki, Wellington and the New Zealand Kiwis. His playing career took him to the Newcastle Knights in Australia, where he was one of New Zealand’s first professional players and to Leeds Rhinos in the UK. Tony has coached the New Zealand Warriors and managed the New Zealand Kiwis.