HAKA FOR LIFE: CULTURE, CONNECTION AND HEALING THROUGH MOVEMENT
By Asad Khan and Tangiora Hinaki
A CULTURAL MOVEMENT FOR WELLBEING
Haka For Life is an Australian non-profit organisation that blends Māori and Aboriginal traditions to promote mental health and community healing.
Founded by Leon Ruri, the group uses the power of haka and corroboree as tools for expression, resilience, and unity. For him, haka is not just a performance — it’s a “battle cry for life.”
The movement encourages men to confront mental health challenges, break silence around suicide, and find strength through culture and collective support.
“Healing doesn’t work like that. It’s an inside job. It starts with a choice — to begin dealing with the things weighing you down,” he said.
CORROBOREE FOR LIFE: CULTURE AS MEDICINE
Sharing the stage at the Perth event was Corroboree for Life, founded in 2018 by proud Noongar man Ashley Penfold. Mr Penfold said dance is a form of medicine, a place where culture, connection, and healing come together.
“Corroboree for Life is a space where culture, connection and healing all come together. It’s a way for our men, women and young fellas to reconnect with who they are and the strength that’s always been within them,” he said.
“Men’s mental health is everybody’s health — and we can’t do it without women.”
STORIES OF CULTURAL PRIDE AND HEALING
Among those moved by the event was Yindjibarndi boy Bailey Zuvich, who lives in Perth but maintains strong family and cultural connections to Roebourne and the Pilbara.
He shared what family and culture mean to him.
“Culture, for me, means knowing who you’re from, knowing your family. I’m so happy I get to dance with my brothers and sisters every week,” he said.
Noongar leader Tina Hayden also addressed the gathering, offering her support and pride.
“Congratulations to you all, you’re all deadly. This is my country, your country, our country,” she said.
MEN’S HEALTH, VULNERABILITY AND STRENGTH
In his speech, Leon Ruri reflected on his personal journey through loss and mental health challenges. He spoke candidly about depression, medication, and the ongoing process of healing.
“The hardest conversation in this country is the one we have about ourselves — about our emotions and mental health,”
“We’ll keep more of our men around when we learn to say, ‘I need a hug. I need help. I need support.’ Healing starts when we talk.”
RYAN TYRELL: FROM RUGBY TO RECOVERY
Former Western Force rugby player Ryan Tyrell also shared his story, a raw reflection on trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the long road to recovery.
Mr Tyrell described growing up “wired for fight or flight,” battling intrusive thoughts, and finding solace in chaos. His career-ending injury and subsequent mental health breakdown pushed him to seek therapy, medication, and eventually a purpose in helping others.
“We spend a long time surviving — not thriving,” he said.
“But that’s our birthright: to come on this planet and thrive and pursue our passions. Stay in the fight, no matter what’s happening up here.”
He now works as a men’s coach, supporting others through their mental health journeys and encouraging open conversations about trauma and resilience.
UNITING CULTURE AND MENTAL HEALTH
Events like Haka For Life and Corroboree for Life are reshaping the way Australia addresses men’s mental health through cultural pride, storytelling, and community connection.
Mr Ruri says the vision is simple: to stand together in strength, vulnerability, and hope.
“Haka For Life isn’t about me, it’s about us,” he said.
“Life’s easier when we do it together, with community and with love.”