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(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."
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."
