PNBHS Haka for Mr. Dawson Tamatea's Funeral Service 

Whelp, here I go watching 3 hours of haka videos on youtube again

I lost it when the boys parted in silence to let the hearse pass. I wish my country had a tradition like this. Well done boys.

The level of respect went through the roof with this one. The teacher must have been a good person.

"A warning to the gods. A good man is coming, let him in."

In my country of New Zealand, this is the highest level of Respect and Honour to receive a Haka. Kia Kaha Boys.

Can instantly tell that Mr. Tamatea was a great teacher. Such Respect from the students is demonstrative of that.

A little background to this haka I'm apart of the school and new mr tamatea better than most at the school. He was originally one of the creators to this haka and this is our school haka. Only our school and the old boys of the school perform this haka so it is unique to us. Mr tamatea was the head of Maori achievement in our school and he would always try (and successfully so) uphold the Maori traditions not within our school but the entire community. He was involved in one of the leading kapa haka groups in the country i.e the world ( kapa haka group being a group in which perform traditional Maori songs and Hakas) and I believe the Maori culture and maintaining the culture was engrained in his life. So to farewell this awesome teacher we did this haka and the significance of this haka as a farewell and the passion in which the boys performed it with can only be understood by the people who really knew him. But I hope that this helps others around the world understand how fitting that we perform this haka for him.

“You shall not mourn my death, but you shall celebrate my life”

That moment when all the rage and passion leads to the students silently letting the car drive. Damn you kids, you called the feels train on that one.

A warning to the Gods that a good man is coming, and that they should let him in (to where They dwell).

This is one of the nicest, most elegant and most saddening farewells I've ever seen. May he rest in peace. Be proud of your students...

This is so beautiful. Even as a foreigner with no exposure to hakas, I could feel how special and significant this was. What a wonderful tribute for their teacher.

As an American, I am insanely jealous of how the Maori tradition remains such a prevalent staple in your everyday culture, while the native tribes of the Americas have been all but forgotten in our modern world. Such beautiful tradition, dedication and honor, something sorely lacking here in the States.

Never had a haka make me cry.

Doing NZ proud :')

I applaud these boys. Even though they are all shapes, sizes and skin colours, when they perform the haka ritual they are united as men.

I'm not Maori, I'm native Hawaiian and can't understand this language but the meaning I feel in my roots. Brought me to tears. Aloha, A hui ho. Mahalo

I am a former rugby player from Argentina and saw many, many times the Haka but this is the first time that it make me cry. This professor was one of the richest man of the world since you don't carry money or gold to the other world. The richest ones , like Mr. Tamatea, carry with them this treasure, the respect of his students and peers. Rest in peace.

I felt my facial hair growing watching this video

The silent wait as the car approaches... The emotional screaming, jumping and bumping in front of that car, it seemed like they were facing death it self, like respecting it, but not afraid, because they know they don't have to All that mixed with the mourning to the passing of a great teacher, beloved by all the presents there Finally, the sad silence as the car goes by It gave me real chills Congratz, boys Way to honor your leader

Shed some manly tears.

I got goosebumps. Even the smallest kid looks intimidating

You guys prove that this world isn't a bad place to raise kids. Stay strong! Respect from Holland!

I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO LIVE IN NZ FOR A YEAR-----MARCHED WITH THE ANZACS---SAW THE HAKA SEVERAL TIMES---IT MAKES YOUR HEART SING----BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY AND WONDERFUL PEOPLE

Imagine what life would be like to be respected this way. Wow.

I think this must touch a part of our collective unconscious because nearly every person who has seen this has been moved by it. Even the cynical. That is very rare. Excellent job, boys.

Blown away by this, every goosebump is up, well done boys, you've made headlines in the UK

Had the privilege to witness a funeral Haka recently at a 13 yr old boys funeral and it was the most emotional things I've ever witnessed. I've watched many Hakas but to be beside it in person is truly breath taking

If the New Zealanders ever become imperialistic we're in trouble lads.

you can hear the physical emotion in the screams. truly touching

New Zealand. You are truly a credit to humanity.

I would die a happy man if I knew my life was worth such an honor. God bless Mr. Tamatea, and God bless those who loved him.

Amazingly powerful, Your teacher would be proud, much respect and condolences from the UK x

I'm not sure how I made it through my entire life never seeing anything like this. This is amazing. I can't imagine what it would be like to witness it in person.

This was the best haka the world has ever seen.

My cultural heritage is not Maori, Kiwi, or New Zealander but am a great admirer of the Maori. I'm Filipino-American...but...Haka is the ULTIMATE way to express gratitude, honor, & tribute to a deserving fellowman/woman. Greater than any trophy, medal, or plaque can commemorate a man or woman. These young men honored you fittingly Mr. Tamatea. When I leave this Earth, I could only wish for a HAKA farewell.

Wow. What unity and commitment. What a culture the New Zealanders share. They are truly fortunate. An incredible moment to capture, I can't imagine how it must have felt being there.

Scottish here. I have never seen such raw emotion in my entire life. That genuinely touched my very soul. He would be immensely proud of every one of you.

An awesome tribute to your fallen teacher.... a very inspirational Haka. May he rest in peace and may all your memories be cherished ones. Much respect to all of you from Canada!

This brought me to tears. Seeing all those boys big and small and their faculty coming together in such an ancient honored tradition of their people, their culture. As a Native American who sees her culture die a little more everyday, seeing things like this moves me so deeply. 🙏🏽 Ahó

This is how all cultures should peacefully merge. Doesn't matter the color of their skin, they come together as one to honor a person they all respect; I have tremendous respect for the people of New Zealand.

This is one of the most intense and emotional videos I've ever seen.

Amazing stuff. Great to see an indigenous culture so integrated into modern day NZ that now cultural expressions are held high as a form of utmost respect. As Australians recently we grieve that we aren't able to embrace our indigenous culture in the same way and have often tried to rid it even further.

I'm a mainland American. We have nothing like this. It is always so moving. I cried watching this one. Please keep your respect and tradition for all time.

As someone from the other side of the world. Thank you for proving, once again, that kids can be inspired to feel a real passion for learning. Your haka makes me wish I knew Mr. Tamatea - and it made me cry like a baby. Thank you.

That brought real tears to my eyes, and I'm a cold-hearted Englishman. Respect to you all for not being afraid to show your own respect. The world needs more like you folks. And your teacher.

When I first saw this video , I had no idea what a haka was. I thought, "Are they making a barricade? Are they trying to scare away the hearse driver? Wait, are they challenging the hearse to a fight?" Then I looked up what a haka was. Wow, was I stupid! To have that many students pay tribute to one teacher is just heartwarming. Mr. Tamatea must've have been one amazing teacher.

I’m Mexican American and I’ve been watching hakas all evening and I am forever in awe. Such a powerful and emotional celebration. I can feel the presence of the ancestors when you perform the hakas. It’s so moving. Rest In Peace to the beloved teacher. I’m sure they would be beyond proud at this powerful send off to the spirit world

Idk why but it made me drop some tears.... nice done guys!

Nice to see they're still raising men somewhere. This couldn't happen in the U.S. without a huge fake outrage. Much respect. *Locking comments. It's going from basic respect, to ignoring the subject of the video, hence proving my point. Good day to y'all.

Damn, I just lost my father and have not been able to cry until now. What a wonderfull display of respect. I am in awe, thank you so much!

Every time I watch a Haka done for a fallen person I tear up every time. I feel such pride, honor and love that these students have for this individual I don't even know. That is what you call a lasting legacy when you remembered by individuals that cared and respected you. I am honored to share in this experience.

Sorry for your loss boys. Much respect from the USA

As an Aussie these kinds of things make me love the Kiwibros

Nice to see in New Zealand they still rising young men with values, concept and tradition. Much respect to all of you! RIP professor Tamatea Regards From the Dominican Republic

I honestly feel like this is a fantastic way of mourning. It gets all that energy built up inside of you and puts it into so much passion and just helps you get those words out that you need to say but don’t know how.

What a great outlet for all of that emotion and grief. Well done. He must have been very special to many people.

Can we please take a moment to remember that during the world war, the New Zealand soldiers did a Haka in the face of the Germans (who had machine guns) and the Germans were so terrified that they were like "NOPE" and ran away with their tails between their legs? edit* Have since been informed that it was specifically Maori soldiers who did this.

And thats why a part of my soul stayed in NZ when I visited. Respect to all of you involved in this. May your teacher rest in eternal peace.

I read somewhere in the comments that all the men not in school uniform are alumni that came back to give their respects to a mentor that helped them grow as men. To have former students come back to send a great man off into the heavens is simply amazing.

I left boys high in 2012 and can still remember every word and action of this Haka. Makes me so unbelievably proud to be an old boy. Mr Tamatea was an amazing teacher and an amazing man, was even a referee on my CV for 4 years when I was struggling to find a job. Will never forget you and will always hold appreciation for how you helped me grow into the man I am today. Nihil Boni Sine Labore

Although I am a Chinese but I am still deeply touched by it. tear just drops. Great respect to these boys and to your teacher.

It was NEWS in Japan n also I graduated high school in NZ so it very touched me actually I'm crying even I'm Japanese I can feel. Thanks n I'm so sorry for that.

This is so moving and so powerful. A 21-gun salute is nothing compared to this!

This..was not what I was expecting at all. If it's possible such tributes can be seen or felt some way after death then I'm 100% he noticed this. A truly heartfelt gesture. Congrats to all.

How can anyone dislike this? Respect, well done men.

This school just schooled us in real respect. Best thing I've seen online ever.

This video, and the respect shown by each and everyone of those fine young men, should be shown in every single grade 8 classroom in North America. The severe shortage of humility, class, and respect for others in the youth of today is the reason our society is heading down a dangerous path of chaos, disillusionment, and destruction. Well done NZ.

There are few ways left to display such powerful emotion. The howls and cries. The ferocity. The stoic strength. I don't speak for Mr. Tamatea or for any part of Canada but myself. Thank you all for sharing this. It brought me to tears.

I found this to be unexpectedly heartbreaking. that amount of concentrated raw emotion is grief in its purist form.

Now I'm sad he died. Even though I don't know who he was.

I'm Australian and I taught at a school in Sth Auckland for most of 1996. All these years past and many many life, work and personal experiences later....I have never felt the electricity and unbridled emotion of performing a haka with a large group of people. Maybe it was only to be a one off but it's one of the most life changing moments of my life.

In the 20 years since I left my home town Palmerston North, I have never felt more home sick than when watching this. Well done boys, a wonderful send off for a teacher who obviously had mana.

The student in light blue on the far left (2:54) with his trembling hands says it all.

Death, where is your sting, where is your victory?

Ok, I am a 65 years old man and i had a tear, breathtakingly respectful. Obviously a surely missed teacher. wow

Someone who does not cry watching this has a heart of stone

Respect from Poland. My condolences...

I love the Maori tradition, being a New Zealander and seeing this tribute Haka shows that Maori not only feared death when one of our own died but also embraced death itself. This is an amazing watch. So powerful, well done PNBHS.

Wellington lad who lives in Brisbane the last 9 years- this makes me so homesick. Love it brothers!

I’m lost for words. Clearly someone all involved had a massive amount of respect for. I’m humbled and on the verge of tears. Much respect from across the ditch

This is the first time I've heard of the Haka. This was unbelievably amazing.

Letting the ancestors know hes on his way. Love it so much.

Papa Dawson, an exceptional man. Pa made sure all the boys were safe and wanted to be at school. I'll never forget this fula. He is one of the reasons I am the man I am today. He made sure all the Maori boys felt accepted in a world made for us to not feel safe. Kua Aroha ki a koe, Pa. Much love to you, Papa Dawson. I hope we made you proud. Nihil Bone Sine Labore - Nothing Achieved Without Hard-work

Never heard of Haka before until this appeared on my news feed Now I've watched it countless times and will never get tired of it What I like most is the passion in these students

So loved by many Mr Tamatea. You were my teacher at Monrad in 1982. I remember you would make the whole class run a mile at least 3 days a week. We were so fit. Over the last 40yrs I would bring you up in korero to my tamariki how strict of a teacher you were on us. But we had so much respect for you too. Once a few of us tauira spent the afternoon on the weekend at your whare. We met your beautiful wife. I never forgot you. Moe mai moe mai ra e hoa.

No matter who and where you’re from in the world, no matter what language you speak, The emotion displayed, the intensity and the very real honour is fluent to all people. To all the fools in the comments, saying they were told to preform, it’s impossible, it’s not a performance, it’s Haka or it isn’t. That was Haka

If this did not move you, you have absolutely no soul. An awesome, very powerful display of respect.- from South Africa

Every time I watch a Haka on RU-vid, I am brought to tears. Not Native to NZ but the energy of it strums my ancestral heartstrings.

I saw this today for the first time in my life and it moved me.respect from Canada.

I think about this haka from time to time and when I do I revisit. It nearly brings me to tears every time. He must have been a very special person.

respect is a universal language

What an amazing tribute to this teacher by his pupils they must have thought the world of him.....and to see them perform the Haka for him was the ultimate honour....love and respect from Scotland to you all and well done 👍

I'm from India, but watching this video I'm in tears! Emotions, aggression, respect all at one time. One person thousands of miles away can feel it.

This is one of the finest hakas I ve ever seen performed. It speaks loudly, and clearly of Mr Tanatea and the respect he earned. It likewise speaks volumes of the school.

moved me to tears, you can feel every emotion of respect coursing through those students, and the devotion he had for them. simply beautiful.

There's something beautiful about joining together with your fellow humans to channel raw emotion into passionate movement and sound, expressing it together without reserve, reinforcing the bonds between each actor in a display that acknowledges the depth of human feeling instead of suppressing it as wrong or improper for others to see. In terms of dealing with grief and shock and the desire to pay respect, how cathartic it must be to physically let those confusing emotions out and be assured you are not alone in feeling them.

I love this. I wish Australians could embrace the Original People of our country this way. New Zealand does it right, teaching the kids of the Nations heritage, all the heritage..not just the white mans..

I'm the farthest away you can be of NZ. Im Central West european. Im the hub, the centre of western culture. ten thousand times more concentrated and urbanised than any former ex-colony you can imagine. Four millenia of history, war and advance in technology. From the paleolithic, it is we who crawled to reach the moon. We have our own traditions and honours. Yet even here, a hero, loved by millions and who has impacted the entire continent, like Napoleon, might receive the equivalent kind of European honours as this man received in the amazing Maori tradition. This is a royal, amazing cultural tradition. One which demands respect. And one which I cannot but adore. To be buried with this kind of event, you must be a great man. NZ puts us all to shame. And Palmy North most of all. You don't even need to know the man, his name, or what he did. If the NZ people do this for him, you treat him as you do royalty, or some millenia-old king. If you receive a thousand-strong haka at your funeral, you did better than a european head of state, imo.

Everyone who appreciates generosity, respect and gratitude will love this awesome tribute. I've never even been to New Zealand but I'm pouring mountains of pride and respect on you guys from over the ditch here in Australia.