New Zealand bans Maori No-Vax from using Hakka

Stop the use of haka Ka Mate by No Vax protesters in New Zealand. The request comes from the Maori tribe that owns the rights to the model dance, which is so popular because it is performed by the All Blacks national rugby team before every match.

New Zealand law recognizes the Ngati Toa tribe as the cultural guardian of Ka Mate, which has played a leading role in recent protests against coronavirus-related restrictions.

“Nagati Tua condemns the use of the haka ka mate to promote messages against vaccination against the Covid-19 virus,” the tribe, which is based outside Wellington, said in a statement. “We insist that protesters immediately stop using Taonga (our cultural treasure).”

Maori haka comes in many forms, but the Ka Mate, which has been performed by the All Blacks before rugby matches for over a century, is by far the most famous. The ritual of stamping your feet and rolling your eyes is firmly rooted in New Zealand culture and is often used at important social events such as weddings or funerals.

Parliament passed a law in 2014 recognizing Ngati Toa as the keeper of the haka, although the legislation does not provide penalties for abuse.