Dad teaching his child the Haka goes viral—and it’s a beautiful reminder of cultural connection

A TikTok video of a dad teaching his child the Haka is making waves online, and it’s easy to see why. Posted by his wife, @hopeylawrence, the clip shows the father patiently guiding his little one through the powerful moves of the traditional Māori dance, the Haka. It creates a moment that’s equal parts intense, adorable, and deeply meaningful. And it’s racked up nearly 60 million views in the process.

@hopeylawrence Teach them the way young 😍 Keep our culture going #haka #maoritok #fyp #hakawithdad #maori #aotearoa #newzealand #maoritiktok #culture #pukana #kamate #parliament #toitutetiriti #dad #standtall #tamariki ♬ original sound – Hope Lawrence

The Haka is more than just a dance—it’s a cornerstone of Māori culture and heritage. While many recognize it as the ceremonial war dance famously performed by New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team, its origins go much deeper. Traditionally, the Haka was used to welcome tribes, prepare warriors for battle, and embody strength and unity. Today, the Haka is performed on various occasions—from weddings to funerals to major sporting events.

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Watching this dad pass on such a rich tradition to his child is a beautiful reminder of the importance of teaching cultural traditions to the next generation.

As the website for the Māori people and cultural tradition explains:  

“There are many different Haka, and each tells a story. Known as a ‘war challenge’ or ‘war cry’ in Māori culture, the haka was traditionally performed by men before going to war. The aggressive facial expressions were meant to scare the opponents, while the cry itself was to lift their own morale and call on God for help to win. Modern examples of occasions for haka include birthdays, weddings, funerals and other celebratory events. It is also sometimes used as a symbol of tribal identity. The modern haka is even performed by women.”

One of the most famous Haka, Ka Mate (Te Rauparaha haka), performed by the All Blacks, celebrates the triumph of life over death—a powerful message that resonates even today.

What makes this video so special isn’t just the cultural pride on display—it’s the bond between father and child. You can see how much it means to both of them. The dad’s serious focus and the kid’s eager (and slightly wobbly) attempts make it clear: this is about more than just learning a dance. It’s about sharing something bigger—a tradition, a bond, a piece of who they are.

In a time when so much of parenting feels rushed or screen-focused, this video feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder of how sharing cultural traditions with your children can create lasting memories and a stronger sense of identity.

The video is a hit for a reason. It’s not just a cute moment—it’s an inspiring one. Whether it’s teaching a traditional dance, passing down a family recipe, or telling stories from your heritage, this is your sign to share those meaningful pieces of your culture with your kids.

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