Kaihaka Vocal Training
Build Strong, Healthy, Competition-Ready Voices
Kapa haka demands power, stamina, control, and absolute commitment. But without a healthy voice, your performers can’t fully support the rōpū or carry the kaupapa.
The Kaihaka Vocal Training Workshop is an in-person, hands-on wānanga designed to teach your rōpū how the voice actually works and how to use it safely while still delivering the intensity needed for competitive kapa haka.
Give your team the competitive edge with vocal training that strengthens performance, prevents injury, and keeps every voice in the rōpū operating at its best.
Why Vocal Training Matters in Competitive Kapa Haka
Long practices. High-energy items. Haka. Tight harmonies. Weeks of preparation. Kapa haka has a huge vocal demand — but most performers are never taught how to use their voice in a healthy, sustainable way.
A hoarse voice can’t support a team.
A fatigued voice can’t maintain power.
A strained voice struggles carry the story.
How the Voice Works (Basic Vocal Anatomy)
Understand the actual mechanics of sound production — the muscles, breath, vibrations, and structures that create your voice. Knowing how the voice works is the foundation for using it safely and powerfully.
Why Voices Get Hoarse & How to Prevent It
Learn the real reasons vocal fatigue and hoarseness happen, how to avoid damage during high-intensity practices, and how to recover without losing quality or stamina.
Healthy Technique for Kapa Haka Power
Voice use in haka and waiata is unique. Gain techniques tailored specifically to kapa haka that support strength, projection, and clarity — without strain.
Benefits for Your Rōpū
Strong awareness of what the voice needs to stay healthy
Practical exercises to strengthen and condition the voice
Better understanding of how to avoid strain and hoarseness
Personal responsibility for vocal care during training
Shared warm-ups and voice-care habits that lift the whole rōpū
Who This Workshop Is For?
Regional and national kapa haka teams
Kura kaupapa & wharekura rōpū
Māori performing arts programmes
New and emerging rōpū wanting to lift their standard
Kaiako and tutors wanting to expand their vocal training toolkit
Workshop Format
In person – delivered at your venue or a confirmed location.
Half-day or full-day wānanga options
Custom content tailored to your rōpū’s level and goals
Ideal for pre-competition intensives or season kick-offs
Interactive, practical sessions with group application
Travel and scheduling can be arranged on enquiry.
What people are saying about voice training with Hinekoia….
“Te Ringa Kaha had the pleasure of working with Hinekoia during a 3-day wānanga at Mākirikiri Marae in Dannevirke as we prepared for Te Matatini 2025.
She built our confidence, debunked common haka vocal myths, and provided invaluable knowledge about vocal anatomy. Her guidance equipped us with effective warm-up techniques to protect our voices and maximise our collective vocal potential as a kapa.
Hinekoia's teaching style was engaging, interactive, and straightforward. She generously offered both one-on-one and small group sessions for those who preferred personalised instruction or needed additional support.”
- Hannahmae, Kaiako in Te Ringa Kaha
Te Ringa Kaha, performing at Te Matatini 2025 (photo credit: Te Matatini)
I had 2 coaching sessions 4 weeks out from Te Matatini as I moved from singing lead to tenor. Hinekoia, in such a short time worked with my voice and gave me practical tips to use my instrument efficiently.
The results were so impressive that I don't want to share the specific techniques, as they could be the competitive edge to take you from good to great and he whakataetae kei te haere!!
- Michael Moka Te Waka Huia (Te Matatini o te Kāhui Maunga 2025)
Hinekoia brings excitement and enthusiasm to the art of vocal training, development and wellbeing. Practical techniques to ensure good vocal use, to enhance spoken or singing applications, detailed explanations of physiological functioning of the vocal instrument give really clear insights to use and maintenance of your voice.
Her knowledge and experience in Te ao Māori through kapa haka and use of Te reo were really appreciated by our group, her ability to connect to that particularly demanding artform made her input incredibly valuable to us for our recent national festival Te Matatini
- Maurits Kelderman Te Tahu Tū