I'd like to thank DJ Turner, a Maori living in Dublin, for providing a greater insight into the Haka. He explained that Haka is a generic name for all Maori dance. According to Maori ethos, Tamanuitora, the Sun God had two wives, Hineraumati (Summer maid) and Hinetakurura (Winter maid). The child born to him and Hineraumati was Tanerore, who is credited with the origin of the dance.

Tanerore is the trembling of the air as seen on hot days of summer and represented by the quivering hands in the dance. DJ goes on to explain that the Haka is not merely a past time of the Maori but also a custom of high social importance in the welcoming and entertainment of visitors. Tribal reputation rose and fell on their ability to perform the Haka (Hamana Mahuika).