Enlarge image
Protesters in Christchurch perform a haka to protest corona measures in New Zealand
Photo: SANKA VIDANAGAMA / AFP
The New Zealand Maori tribe Ngati Toa has spoken out against the performance of the traditional haka dance at demonstrations by opponents of vaccination.
"Ngati Toa condemns the use of the Ka Mate Haka to spread messages against the Covid-19 vaccination," said the tribe based near Wellington on Sunday.
"We insist that the demonstrators immediately stop using our cultural treasures."
The haka dance has different forms.
The best known is the ka mate, which has been performed at rugby games for over 100 years.
In 2014, the New Zealand Parliament had legally recognized the Ngati Toa as the keeper of the Ka Mate.
The ritual of stamping your feet and rolling your eyes is well established in New Zealand culture and is often danced at important social events such as weddings or funerals.
During protests against the Corona measures last week, demonstrators performed him.
"We are struggling to reach some of our young Maori"
However, there were also many Maori among the demonstrators who performed the haka.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attributed this to disinformation.
"We're having a hard time reaching some of our young Maori," she told TVNZ.
New Zealand closed itself off at the beginning of the pandemic.
Until an outbreak of the Delta variant in Auckland in August, life for New Zealanders had remained almost normal for months.
Meanwhile, the government is relying on a rigorous vaccination strategy with restrictions for unvaccinated people.
The Ngati Toa welcome this.
"Many of our ancestors lost their lives in previous pandemics, and our tribes suffered greatly," the tribe explained.
"We are absolutely certain that the Covid-19 vaccine is the best protection we have and we are determined to support our family in getting vaccinated as soon as possible."
mrc / AFP
