Kapa haka (Māori dance group) is a culturally responsive learning activity that provides opportunities for Māori students to engage in their language, culture and traditional practices (Hindle, 2002; Kaiwai, 2001). Research focusing on the educational benefits associated with Māori students participating in kapa haka in mainstream secondary schooling contexts is particularly scarce but there is growing evidence to suggest that the Māori students participating in kapa haka is having a direct and positive effect on their participation levels at school (Rubie, 1999; Whitinui, 2007). In 2002, kapa haka was formally recognised as an ‘academic’ subject by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). This helped to raise the importance of Māori students participating in kapa haka enabling students to earn credits towards a National Certificate in Educational Achievement (NCEA) (New Zealand Qualifications Authority, 2002). Despite this development however, Māori students continue to be the group most likely not to fully participate in their education or achieve NCEA Level 2 (Ministry of Education, 2006). Based on various aspects of my doctoral research completed in 2007, this paper aims to present the educational benefits associated with Māori students participating in kapa haka and the implications for improving the participation levels of Māori students in these contexts.