COMING SOON……………

Kaihaka Vocal Academy

Get the competitive edge with expert voice training, specifically for Kapa haka!

Why This Course?

Many kaihaka perform with ‘ihi’ and ‘wehi’ but lack fundamental knowledge about their most precious instrument—their voice. Our training addresses the gaps that often lead to vocal strain, hoarseness, and potential long-term damage.

What You'll Learn:

  • Vocal Anatomy Fundamentals - Understand how your voice actually works, with terminology in both te reo Māori and English, giving you a deeper understanding about your instrument

  • Vocal Health Essentials - Discover practical techniques to protect and strengthen your voice for sustained, powerful performances

  • Hoarseness Prevention - Learn why vocal strain occurs and master specific strategies to maintain vocal clarity throughout demanding performances

  • Effective Warm-up Routines - Develop proven preparation techniques that prepare your voice for the unique demands of kapa haka

Science-Based Approach

This course cuts through the confusion of vocal myths and misconceptions that can impact vocal performance. As a qualified Estill Master Trainer (EMT), Hinekoia provides instruction based on voice science and proven functional techniques that complement traditional knowledge.

Every exercise, every technique, and every piece of advice is grounded in how the voice actually functions, allowing you to achieve real results.

Monthly Masterclass

Connect directly with Hinekoia in our exclusive monthly masterclass sessions. These interactive workshops allow you to:

  • Ask specific questions about vocal challenges you're facing

  • Workshop difficult vocal techniques in a supportive environment

  • Learn from the experiences of fellow kaihaka

  • Receive personalised feedback on your technique

Join us at Kaihaka Vocal Academy to transform your understanding of vocal technique and take your performance to new heights—while protecting one of your most valuable performing assets, your voice.

Who This Course Is For?

This course welcomes all kaihaka who want to deepen their understanding of vocal function:

  • Beginners just starting their kapa haka journey

  • Intermediate performers looking to enhance their skills

  • Seasoned kaihaka seeking to refine their technique and protect their voice

  • Young performers (minimum age 14, or mature 13-year-olds with a genuine interest in voice training)

Whether you're experiencing vocal challenges or simply want to take your performance to the next level, this training provides valuable knowledge for every stage of your kapa haka journey.

“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