VIC. Haka

So You Didn't Know that Victoria had a College haka? Well it's surprising what we find in Salient files from time to time. Here is this Maori masterpiece—Te haka o te Kareti (The haka of the college):

(Performers stand in a slight curve, so that all can see each other. There is a leader at each end. The actions are performed immediately after the word of command. The leader in his commencement gives the time and this time and rhythm are maintained throughout.)

Kai-taki:

E Pakia kia rite.

E ko te rite, kia rite.

E takahia kia ngawari.

E Torona ki waho, hoki mai.

Kai-taki:

E noho i a au nel.

I te aro aro

O nga kai-ako

O te kareti

Kia whiwhi tohunga turanga.

Kia Rite:

Wikitoria, kareti, kareti,

Tumu o te, te matauranga,

Tumu o te, te matauranga,

Tena whaia mai,

Tena whaia mai, Ha.

Ha Ha-A.

Roughly translated, the three-part haka says:

Leader: O slap, slap in unison. In unison, in unison. O stamp the feet in even time. O stretch the arms right out and bring them back right in again.

Soloist: O sitting as I have done in the presence of the high teachers of the College to secure my great professorship.

Chorus: Wikitoria, College, of College, Now then secure it all.