Māori Singer Teaches The Voice Judges the Haka on Stage
When Aunty Ora stunned four judges on The Voice: Australia, they asked what else she did. Her answer? "I teach the haka." Moments later, all four were on stage learning the traditional Māori war dance.
When Māori singer Ora Taukamo walked onto The Voice: Australia stage in 2017, she didn't just earn four chair turns with her soulful cover of Adele's "One and Only." She sparked a moment of cultural sharing that New Zealanders still talk about today.
After her performance, judge Delta Goodrem asked Taukamo, known as "Aunty Ora," what she did outside of singing. "I teach the haka," she replied simply.
Kelly Rowland immediately lit up. "Can I learn the haka?" she asked.
Within seconds, all four judges (Rowland, Goodrem, Boy George, and Joe Jonas) were on stage, hands on hips, bending into squat positions. Taukamo led them through the traditional Māori war dance, complete with synchronized stomping and rhythmic thigh slapping.
The impromptu lesson turned into something bigger than entertainment. Fellow New Zealanders flooded social media with pride and appreciation for how Taukamo shared her culture with warmth and authenticity.
"You make me feel proud to be a Kiwi you lovely woman!" one viewer wrote. Others praised her for representing Aotearoa (New Zealand) with such grace and joy.
The Ripple Effect
The haka isn't just choreography. It carries centuries of history, identity, and connection for Māori people.
Taukamo's willingness to share it created something rare: a genuine cultural exchange that honored tradition while inviting others in. The judges laughed and stumbled through the movements, but their enthusiasm was real, and the moment resonated far beyond the studio audience.
Though Taukamo eventually left the competition after delivering powerhouse performances ranging from Whitney Houston to Elton John, this single moment became her lasting impact. Her Facebook bio reveals her philosophy: "Your voice is a tool to help heal others. Sing from your heart at all times and just be yourself."
That's exactly what she did. By sharing the haka with joy and respect, Taukamo turned a reality TV audition into a celebration of culture that brought people together across continents.
Sometimes the most meaningful wins happen when we share who we are with others.
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Based on reporting by Upworthy
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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