The Ukulele Haka

If you have never watched an All Blacks match from the start, you may have never seen a haka before. What's a haka you ask? It is a traditional Maori dance or war cry. They are also done to welcome visitors, celebrate great events or even at funerals. Of course, due to the AB's, it's mostly known as a war cry done before battle. There are many different versions and there are actions or moves that accompany them. Above is a clip of the All Blacks doing the haka they performed before the Argentina match. We've seen other hakas in festivals and before the rugby game we watched in Fiji. It is cooler when you can hear it better because the sound resonates and when you're closer you can see the facial expressions as well - which, as per tradition, are wide-eyed with the occasional tongue poking out. I reckon it definitely sets the tone for intimidation on the field because I would probably be a bit wary after witnessing one from the other team's perspective!

Check out all the bags blowing around in the wind in the background! Just the city living up to its reputation. It wreaked a bit of havoc on the kicks as well.

The other treat we got to see at the stadium was the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra! We had heard of them thanks to our couch surfers back in July. I didn't realize they were booked for the pre-game and halftime entertainment until I looked to a TV screen as I waited for my mochaccino that evening and saw a bunch of people playing ukuleles. I hoped the barista kicked into gear so that I could go watch a ukulele show but I didn't even realize that of course it would be the WIUO given that we were in Wellington.One of the guys on Flight of the Conchords, Bret McKenzie, was a member but he doesn't play that many shows with them anymore. After seeing their few songs we are considering a road trip in December to check them out at a music festival ("A Day on the Green") set at a winery in Martinborough. I was going to post a clip of a NZ Maori song, Hoki Mai. But there keeps being an error in uploading it! Must be too big. So here is a clip of another song they did. Enjoy!