The Hurricanes Poua, a women’s rugby team in New Zealand, made headlines recently for adding new lyrics to their haka before a match against the Chiefs Manawa. The new lyrics called the coalition government “rednecks” in protest of their policies affecting Māori rights.
Led by haka leader Leilani Perese, the team strategically added the controversial lyrics to send a strong message to the government led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The government has announced plans to repeal or review policies that support Māori, sparking backlash from the rugby community.
Perese believes that rugby players should use their platform to speak out against injustices affecting Māori communities. However, Sports and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop disagreed with the message of the haka, stating that while the team was entitled to their views, he did not agree with their approach.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters also criticized the team, while the Act party leader defended their right to free speech but condemned the comments made in the haka. New Zealand Rugby respected the players’ right to express their views but expected them to do so respectfully.
The incident has sparked a debate in the local media, with some accusing the team of misusing their platform and others applauding their bravery. This incident highlights the long tradition of protest and politics within sport in New Zealand, with a history of issues like the 1981 Springbok Tour.
Rugby commentator Alice Soper believes that the backlash over the haka shows a gap in cultural competency and the need to understand the cultural significance of the performance. The controversy surrounding the Hurricanes Poua’s haka serves as a reminder of the power of sport to bring attention to important social and political issues.
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