Māori arts performer and haka expert Eruera Keepa says this step by the Government can act as a vehicle to reconnect Māori students to their marae, culture and language.
"It's extremely important, many of our Māori students actually don't have access to te ao Māori."
Keepa says Kapa Haka during his schooling years was an extracurricular activity to be engaged with only during the weekend or outside of school hours.
"If Kapa Haka at school was recognised and treated the same way as other subjects during my time, I have no doubt that it could've been a strong foundation for me to pursue other career opportunities."
He says Kapa Haka was treated as an incentive to help schools with their student retention rates, "which is quite an important gauge of a school's success".
"This step by Government ensures that our art form is treated and resourced the same way as other subjects at school, and thus improves Māori students' achievement.
"It celebrates our uniqueness and instils a strong sense of belonging."
The news comes as a delight after a tough decision was made to postpone annual Kapa Haka festival Te Matatini, which has been moved from 2021 to 2022.
Kapa Haka has won the hearts of many and Te Matatini will take place at Auckland's biggest stadium, Eden Park.