A haka is a ceremonial dance in Māori culture that is often performed by a group with vigorous movements, stamping of the feet, and rhythmically shouted accompaniment. The group of people performing a haka is referred to as a kapa haka, which means group or team. Haka have been traditionally performed by both men and women for a variety of social functions within Māori culture, such as to welcome distinguished guests, acknowledge great achievements, or at funerals. Kapa haka groups are common in schools, and the main Māori performing arts competition, Te Matatini, takes place every two years.

Haka were originally performed by warriors before a battle, proclaiming their strength and prowess in order to intimidate the opposition. Various actions are employed in the course of a performance, including facial contortions such as showing the whites of the eyes (pūkana), and poking out the tongue (whetero, performed by men only), and a wide variety of vigorous body actions such as slapping the hands against the body and thighs, stamping, and gestures of stylized violence. Today, haka are still used during ceremonies and celebrations to honor guests and show the importance of the occasion, such as at family events, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and funerals. Haka are also used to challenge opponents on the sports field, such as the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, who perform the haka before each match in a stunning show of strength and physical prowess. The most famous haka is "Ka Mate," composed about 1820 by the Māori chief Te Rauparaha.