New Zealand’s Maori tribe urges vaccination authorities to stop using their traditional haka

This content was released on 15 November 2021 – 01:44
15 November 2021 – 01:44

(AFP)

On Monday, the Maori tribe, which owns the rights to the “Hakka” Ka Mt, called on anti-vaccine protesters to stop performing the well-known ritual in their protests.

The Ngati Toa tribe is recognized by New Zealand law as the cultural protector of the Haqqa Ka Matt, which has been used in recent struggles against restrictions due to the Kovit-19 epidemic.

Haqqa is a beautiful expression of Maori that combines songs, movements and synchronized gestures.

“Ngati Toa condemns the use of Haka Ka Mate to promote and promote anti-COVID-19 vaccine news,” people outside Wellington said in a statement.

“We urge protesters to immediately stop using our tonga (cultural treasure),” they said.

The Ka Made Haqqa All Blocks National Rugby Team performs before their matches, and it is very popular among all practiced by the Maori.

The ritual of firm gestures is part of New Zealand culture and is often used at social events such as weddings or funerals.

Ka Mat was composed in 1820 by the warlord leader De Roubaraha and celebrated his escape from a rival tribe that persecuted him.

Parliament passed a law in 2014 recognizing the Ngati Toa tribe as Haqqa’s protectors, although it did not impose fines for improper use.

Tribal leader Helmut Modlik criticized anti-vaccine activists for putting their personal preferences above the highest good.

“We are quite clear that the Govt-19 vaccine is the best protection available to us, and we promise to vaccinate our Vanav (family) soon,” he said.

New Zealand used drastic measures against COVID-19, including locks and border controls, resulting in only 33 deaths per five million people.

But opposition to policies that require vaccination has grown.

Prime Minister Jacinta Artern said many of those who practiced hakka in the protests were Maori and many tribal youths were being misinformed.