On February 10th 2008 the Les Mills Haka was unveiled in Auckland New Zealand to an international audience of over 650 people. This included the Prime Minister of New Zealand the Honorable Helen Clark, Les Mills Senior, 200 Agency staff and 300 trainers from around the world. The Les Mills haka “Tu Mai Nei Nga Toa” (translated "The New Warriors Standing Here") is an evolution of contemporary haka representing a cultural expression of the Les Mills global mission toward fitness and health.
The key message in the Les Mills Haka is to “challenge and inspire people to do more to improve their lives. Literal translation reveals several strong themes including: Health and Fitness Warriors, Challenge, Global Obesity, Sedentary Lifestyles, Mind, Body, Spirit, Potential, and Community.
Research shows that 80% of Les Mills’s instructors are female. As such this Haka has been composed to include females as well as males
It is designed to be performed at conventions, expos, quarterlies and related events. It is envisaged that Trainers and Instructors all over the world will have the opportunity to witness, learn and perform the Haka much like the infamous "Ka Mate" popularised by the New Zealand All Blacks.
NZ Kapa Haka expert Paora Sharples (Ngati Kahungangungu) was commissioned to choreograph, address cultural protocols and train the launch team.
Global launch plans will be revealed later this year.
Train for life
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