About me

Authentic Māori Haka Leader | Former CEO | Legal and Cultural advisor to Ministers, and Indigenous Governance Expert | Matatini Performer & Composer | Licensed Translator (Te Matatini Haka Translate Lead)

Kia Ora/ hello, my name is David Jones, I have led infrastructure recovery, produced digital exhibitions, and advised on cultural strategy for the NZ Olympic Committee, Māori Television, and more.

With over 30 years of experience in haka and Māori performance arts, I bring the depth of Te Matatini—Aotearoa’s premier kapa haka festival—to international audiences.
As a Matatini performer, composer, tutor, and licensed translator, I bring an unparalleled blend of cultural integrity and high-impact performance.

Based in the UK/Europe market, I provide immersive haka energisers, interactive workshops, bespoke composition & translation services — enabling organisations to harness the power of haka for leadership, team-culture, connection and purpose.

Unlike generic “haka sessions”, my approach embeds tikanga (structure & protocol), language clarity and meaningful application into every experience — ensuring depth, respect and lasting value. Grounded in tikanga Māori and powered by contemporary leadership practice, my work helps organisations unite teams, energise events, and honour culture with integrity.

David Jones

Purpose


To embed cultural systems thinking through embodied experience, leadership ceremony, and collective identity practices. tHIS module uses haka, pohiri, and Indigenous protocol not as performance, but as governance frameworks.

Application Session, Leadership through Haka, Pohiri Simulation, Cultural Reflection and Haka frameworks interwoven throughout leadership in executive teams.

The Relational Leader

Executive Programme on Cultural Intelligence & Governance.
A leadership transformation programme grounded in Māori relational governance, designed for executive teams facing complexity, scrutiny, or major change. It blends Māori principles of governance, cultural ceremony, and Indigenous systems thinking to reshape how leaders understand power, identity, and trust.

Led by David Jones, cultural strategist and trusted advisor to governments, iwi, and global institutions.

Embrace the Power of Haka

Authentic Māori leadership. Transformative haka experiences with global impact.

There is growing global recognition of the haka, largely due to its powerful performances by New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team before each match. More than a pre-game ritual, the haka serves as a unifying practice that grounds the team in shared purpose, identity, and intent. We provide a High-impact performances for social events, gala events, openings, funerals, corporate and festivals, featuring haka, waiata, and poi. Our performances are authentic, powerful, and unforgettable.

the haka way – relational leadership workshops

Leadership haka workshop

A deeper, interactive exploration of haka, tikanga, and leadership.
Teams learn technique, meaning, and mindset — linking haka principles to teamwork, trust, and high performance designed to develop authentic leadership qualities.

Deepened team trust, mana, and presence

Strategic use of ritual and relational process in governance

Clarity of group purpose and identity

Greater accountability to self, others and systems

Team unity haka session

A session focused on building team cohesion through traditional haka practices.

The Cultural Lens – Systems of belonging

Power & Legitimacy – Authority and decision-making

Governance & Complexity – Tikanga as a tool for uncertainty

Narrative & Trust – Leadership story and presence

Repair & Restoration – Leading through scrutiny

Cultural Collaboration

A focus on how haka can enhance cultural understanding and leadership within your work space values.

An effective team thrives on trust, shared purpose, and a culture of collaboration. Like the haka, true teamwork is about connection—each individual bringing their strength and energy to move as one. When collaboration is missing, alignment weakens and purpose fades. The haka reminds us that when people stand together with intent and respect, their collective power and performance reach a higher level.

Services

executive leadership training

Relational Leader executive Programme using Maori cultural narratives

Our leadership program helps executives develop authentic connection and foster collective strength through Māori-based principles.

cultural resilience workshops

Supports organisations to build inclusive and equitable workplaces grounded in EDI principles. Through dialogue, reflection, and practical tools, participants explore how culture and identity shape collaboration and leadership. These sessions foster cultural awareness, strengthen team connections, and enhance organisational resilience through belonging and inclusion.

immersive haka experiences

Performances and events

We offer our services to perform our traditional cultural practices for your events and celebrations. This can range from funerals, weddings, social events and team events within your organisation.

Contact us

Email


Hours


Phone

+64 21 555 6789

Is this your new site? Log in to activate admin features and dismiss this message
Log In