NZ's Ngati Toa object to anti-vaxxer appropriation of Ka Mate Haka

[ride_4ever]

(Because I have NZ dS fan-friends who keep me aware of news in NZ.)

New Zealand's Maori tribe the Ngati Toa is recognized under New Zealand law as the cultural guardian of the Ka Mate Haka, a ritual which anti-vaxxers have been performing at recent protests against COVID restrictions and vaccinations.

The tribe has made the following statement from their land just outside Wellington: "Ngati Toa condemns the use of the Ka Mate Haka to push and promote anti-Covid-vaccination messages. We insist that protesters stop using our taonga (cultural treasure) immediately."

The tribe has previously spoken out against commercialization of the haka and versions that satirize or disrespect the ritual.

Ngati Toa chief executive Helmut Modlik criticized anti-vaxxer protestors, saying "Many of our tupuna (ancestors) lost their lives in previous pandemics and our iwi (tribe) suffered greatly. We are absolutely clear that the Covid-19 vaccine is the best protection we have available to us, and we are committed to supporting our whanau (family) to get vaccinated as soon as possible."

Comments

[juniperberry]

I would like to say I'm surprised, but I'm really not.

[ride_4ever]

For me it was the first time I saw a cultural appropriation issue and an anti-vax issue mixed together.

[juniperberry]

Yeah, that...oof. Like. Just. No.

*shakes head*

[mific]

Fucking anti-vaxxers! *shakes fist*

[ride_4ever]

They are so wrong, the anti-vaxxers.

[hurry_sundown]

I'm glad the tribe called out those fuckwits.

[ride_4ever]

In support of tribal enforcement!

[otherearths_outthere]

!*splutters* incoherently
That is just appalling.

[ride_4ever]

I just went *big facepalm* when I saw those anti-vaxxers.