Teenager Performs Haka to Honor Mom's Graduation Day

A teenage boy in New Zealand performed the haka to honor his mother for completing her bachelor’s degree at a local university.

Footage shared to TikTok by Shayana Moses shows her 13-year-old brother Tawhiri performing the traditional Māori dance at the graduation ceremony on March 31. As of April 12, it has more than 4.6M views.

'None of our family knew he was going to get up and do a haka for my mum. It was all a big surprise for us,' said Moses, via Storyful.

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[just_kos]

What a great way to honor one's mother, and one's Maori heritage. Had tears in my eyes! What a great son, and congrats to his Mom on graduating!

[dropletmagoo]

Its so wonderful to hear the other people joining in and making his voice louder. They also didn't know the people that joined in, which makes it so much more amazing

[wonderwonder]

What a badass way to honor his mother! I had tears in my eyes.

[julee]

His mom made him proud and in turn, he made his mom proud. Hope their legacy runs strong.

[semirrahge]

Incredible performance! His boldness and passion serves him well and speaks volumes about his family life. It made a little tear come to my eye from the badassery!

[boondocksdragon]

Proud mama, proud son! Love and Light to you both! Congratulations, Mama. 🥰

[cymtastique]

They're very proud of each other! It's beautiful.😄

[up.northbro]

Proud of u young man takes alot of mana to stand by urself and do that

[snoodyposhteenwheelingtv]

It was at the very end that I realized IT WAS THE MOTHER’S GRADUATION!!!😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 lawdddd these son’s of ours are the closest thing to God on earth🥹😫

[sprawlingman]

This is what makes me really proud to be a New Zealander.

[ldstareagle]

I don't know what's to say it's powerful message and the strength of son voice it's mom you're a hero for your son that what him showing you love and appreciation for your love towards your son the performance is 😍 lovely.

[SounderMom]

That was so special to watch. Thank you young man for not just honoring your mom but also you heritage. You had me in tears. I’m convinced you will make it very far in life. You already are a special young man. Oh and let’s not forget. Congratulations to your mom. 😊Sending greetings and love from Germany ❤

[ernestdy]

Wow, proud of you and your parents. Send waves in my body watching it. Hold on to what you have, the future looks bright 🌞

[loveya.]

Ok! Baby Boy, don't play about his mother. I absolutely loved this.

[krazykitty]

What a wonderful man to do this to honor for his mom!! Love that he is keeping his heritage alive!! Thank you young man!!❤❤😊

[mistahanansi]

It’s basically an interpretive dance, except the thing that you’re interpreting, is sheer BADASSERY. ✊🏾

[kokeylanay]

I felt that, all their ancestors were proud ALL OF THEM!!!❤

[prettyrabbit]

Congratulations mom I’m proud of your son

[anaalvarez]

Not my culture, yet I had tears. I have great appreciation for such, especially the honoring of one’s mother….🌎☀️

[dlynnmcgregor]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾Son! Mom has a wonderful day. Thank you.❤