Inspiring Explorers’ Haka

Starting as a group of strangers, the 2020 Inspiring Explorers and supporters embraced the spirit of exploration and bonded together as a true team during their life-changing trip to the Antarctic Peninsula.

During their return voyage aboard the Quark Expeditions ship, the Ocean Endeavour, the group performed a rousing haka led by Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate students A’aifou and Jaylee for their fellow passengers as they waited out the 14-day mandatory isolation period amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Sharing the Antarctic experience with this great group of young people in an environment most of them would never otherwise get to see, was a highlight for me. The team included two secondary school students from South Auckland who had never seen snow before. It was remarkable to witness their growth, which culminated in them leading an incredible haka, performed for the other guests on the Quark Expedition ship during quarantine.”

– Marcus Water, AHT Expedition Leader

“The haka was something to bring us together and make us feel comfortable hearing about the virus. It made us stronger.”

– A’aifou Potemani, Inspiring Explorer

I thought it was really cool that A’aifou and Jaylee taught us the haka, and the teamwork during that experience was really great. Some of the team were very patient helping those who were less familiar with the haka. It was a great example of how the team worked together and supported each other while valuing our strengths and weaknesses. The diversity of our group was definitely a strength and I loved learning about all the other explorers’ projects.

– Ihlara McIndoe

Watch the team’s haka performance below.