The Hurricanes Poua, a women’s rugby team in New Zealand, sparked controversy recently when they incorporated political lyrics into their traditional haka before a match against the Chiefs Manawa. The lyrics included references to the current coalition government as “rednecks” and expressed support for various documents and movements advocating for Māori sovereignty.
Leilani Perese, the haka leader for the Hurricanes Poua, defended the decision to include the new lyrics, stating that it was important to send a strong message to the government, led by prime minister Christopher Luxon. Luxon’s policies, including a proposal to redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, have generated opposition from many in New Zealand, including the team.
Despite concerns raised by non-Māori teammates, who supported the haka’s message, Sports and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop defended the team’s right to express their views. However, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters criticized the team for focusing on the haka rather than their performance in the match, which they lost to the Chiefs Manawa.
David Seymour of the Act party echoed Bishop’s sentiment, supporting the team’s right to free speech but urging them to focus more on rugby. New Zealand Rugby, while expecting players to express their personal views respectfully, has been caught in the debate surrounding the Hurricanes Poua’s performance.
The incident has sparked a wider discussion in local media about the intersection of politics and sport in New Zealand, harkening back to past protests like the 1981 Springbok Tour. Commentator Alice Soper highlighted the cultural competency divide and the recontextualization of the haka by Māori players in professional sport, raising questions about the appropriate use of platforms for political expression in the sporting world.
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