Poi

Whakapapa

Long, long ago before time began there was no light in the world, only darkness all around.

In the quiet of the dark lay Ranginui, the Sky Father holding the Earth Mother, Papatūānuku tightly in his arms. Crushed between them in the darkness were their children, all longing for light, space and freedom.

One of the children was Tāne Mahuta, the guardian and father of the forests. Tāne was big and strong. At last he could bear to be crowded no longer and Tāne rose up between his parents and used his great strength to separate them. He thrust Ranginui high, high above Papatūānuku – making sky and earth. Light and air filled the great space between them.

Tāne Mahuta became the father of a great family. Two of his children were Harakeke the flax, child of Pakoti and Raupō, the native bulrush, who was the child of Repo the swamp. Together, Harakeke and Raupō created Poi.

And that is, how the first poi was made from the strong leaves of the harakeke flax wrapped tenderly around the soft down of the native bulrush. Today the poi is made of materials of our time, but the story of the poi and its beauty and grace still lives on.

Tikanga

The poi is practiced by both males and females. Poi encourages the wrists to become supple, increases dexterity in both arms and also improves agility.

Traditionally, such skills were useful when using all Māori weaponry including the taiaha.

The poi was a common pastime and is actively practiced today, especially competitively with kapa haka performances.

Te reo Māori vocabulary

rere atu: fly away

rere mai: fly to me

rere runga: fly above

rere raro: fly below

poi kia mau: poi get ready

poipoitia: poi whirl and slap (as in spin and slap on your hand)

poi ki raro: poi stop and by your side

poi porotiti: poi spin

poi tapatapa: poi slap, slap (as in a rhythm or beat)

https://health.tki.org.nz/Key-collections/Exploring-te-ao-kori/Learning-experiences/Poi-activities

How to hold and fly your poi

Watch and listen to Miss Cadzow explain how to hold your poi. Remember - it's a tool for singing and dancing, not a thing to fling around the room.

Kura waiata ki Poi - School song for poi

Rona is a waiata based on the story of Rona and the Moon. Watch this ataata to learn about the story.

This is a ka rawe waiata to learn to fly the poi to as it combines many different poi actions. Watch the ataata of some wahine from Pukete Kura showing you how to do it.

There is also an ataata of a simplified version of this waiata that Miss Cadzow is showing you how to do.

Rere Atu

Try this song to practice swinging your poi

E rere taku poi

Here is the link to a better waiata. The above video show you the actions.

Rona poi

Extend your poi skills with this song. Here is the link to the waiata.

Poi e

Extend you poi skills with this song. Here is the link to the waiata.

Waihanga te Poi!

How to make a poi

These are nice simple instructions on how to make your own poi.

It has links to videos to show you have to 4 plait and other helpful links.

These instructions also use minimal single use items such as plastic or foam. Try to make your poi with as little non-recyclable materials as you can.

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