KO UHIA MAI ORIGINS

Ko Uhia Mai is the haka of the Black Ferns, created as a powerful expression of the team’s identity, unity and strength. Its name translates as “Let It Be Known”, a declaration of presence and purpose on the international stage.

THE STORY OF KO UHIA MAI

Composed by respected Māori rugby leader Te Whetu Tipiwai, the haka speaks to wāhine standing together, regardless of where they come from, to face challenges as one. It draws on themes of whakapapa, connection to the land, and the collective strength of women.

At its core, Ko Uhia Mai honours the journey of wāhine Māori, referencing figures such as Hineahuone, Hinetītama and Hinenui-te-pō, and the movement from darkness into light. It weaves together elements of sky, earth, mountains and sea, grounding the team in both ancestry and the natural world.

More than a pre-match ritual, the haka is a statement of unity and intent. It reflects the pride, mana and resilience of the Black Ferns, and the responsibility they carry as representatives of Aotearoa.

KO UHIA MAI TODAY

Today, Ko Uhia Mai is performed by the Black Ferns before matches around the world. It stands alongside the haka of the All Blacks as a powerful expression of New Zealand rugby, shaped by its own story, voice and legacy.