Loading Docs 2021 - HAKA haha

There is something in the air and I think it might be cultural appropriation...

– John-Perry Porter Te Anini

Due to the All Blacks, the haka has gained respect around the world...Unfortunately this has resulted in many disrespectful versions of the haka performed and shared across the internet. We love to see our Māori culture celebrated, but in recent years foreigners have taken to performing the haka for their own agenda and we have seen many bad renditions of the traditional Māori dance. I felt it was time to explore how we protect our cultural identity.

– Director Corinna Hunziker on the inspiration behind short doco Haka HAHA, The NZ Herald, 8 September 2021

It tells a story. You are speaking to a past that comes alive that relates to your cause and, sadly, sometimes haka can be abused through lack of understanding.

– Huntly kaumātua Taitimu Maipi on the misuse or ignorant use of the haka, The NZ Herald, 8 September 2021

We didn't set out to discourage non-Māori from performing the haka but we do want to issue our own haka. Our challenge to foreign performers is to dig a little deeper, to work a little harder to understand the words and consider how it might feel to Māori if they perform something traditional as a joke.

– Director Corinna Hunziker, The NZ Herald, 8 September 2021

It is flattering to be acknowledged around the world, but we don't go and make a pancake if we don't know how to make a pancake, you know? We do a bit of research and find the ingredients...that's all it takes.

– Farmer XXXXX Ngaroimata Morgan offers an analogy for the lack of respect and or ignorance of some non- Māori people performing the haka

It was a kaka haka alright.

– John-Perry Porter Te Anini rates a woeful haka

Have we lost our sense of humour, or do we need some hard truths?

– John-Perry Porter Te Anini reflects on the 'right' Māori response to ignorant haka performances on the internet