Being a white New Zealander...?

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lujahenzo

I agree with most of the other answers so far in that although the haka is something associated with maori culture it is embraced and celebrated by all NZers, not just Maori. I'm half Maori, half pakeha ("white" NZer) and as long as the haka is done with passion and pride, its something i love watching no matter what "type" of kiwi is doing it. Like when the all blacks do it, that sends shivers up my spine everytime. Its just when people do drunken hakas in bars willy nilly with no passion & no thought to what it means that I cringe, & the haka being done in that way would definately offend some maori and probably a lot of other nzers too!

HaggisKiwi

I don't consider myself a "white New Zealander" just a New Zealander.
I get pissed off with all the questionaires that ask me to categoize myself as Pakeha or New Zealand European just because my great-great grandparents are of Scottish/Irish descent. If there's Other, I'll select it; better still if there Pacific Islander, I'll select that - NZ is an island in the Pacific ergo I am a Pacific Islander.

Look at the Irish & Scottish rugby teams - how many of them were born in New Zealand and still claim a right to represent their grandparents birthplaces at sport?

NZ is a multicultural society. We have no natives & everyone is a distant descendent of some form of immigrant.

The haka, once a great challenge to opposing, teams now seems dimished and destined to be a pop-song celebration for gaining a bronze medal.

Sure celebrate the haka, but leave it as a method of challenge with right of reply. Check out the link below for a fine haka...

Lucky S

im a white boy from new zealand and i have maori family on my other side, but no one says your a white new zealander or your a maori new zealander, everyone is a new zealander if your from this country and theres lots of different races, asian, pacific islanders, english, irish, indian and more but i dont think any maori person looks at the white boys doing the haka and thinks bloody white boys cant do the haka. they r representing there country!!

robert C

the haka used to be done prior to a rugby union and rugby league international game , now every tom dick and harry wants to do it at the drop of a hat, drunk or otherwise. they build a toilet and they do it. i cringe now when i see it done for no special reason

Gilsh

first of all polynesians aren't native only maori are some white kiwi's are but most are not and do not embrace it

anythingwilldo

New Zealand has a mix of culture incorporating that of the Maori, of Polynesia, of the European immigrants and of other more recent immigrants.

Although the haka is originally a Maori tradition; in New Zealand everyone 'owns' New Zealand culture of which the haka is part of.

The haka was performed prior to rugby union matches at the end of the 1800's and has become part of the tradition of the game.

As for who is involved in the haka - they are all New Zealanders - and feel that the haka is part of their heritage, whether of Maori/European/Mixed descent.

New Zealand has its racial problems but is still one of the best examples of racial Integration in the world.

New Zealand was the only country I know of to have had a treaty between Europeans and original inhabitants.

So, to answer your question - the haka belongs to all New Zealanders.

Nikita

I live in NZ and am not a Kiwi born and raised but married into a European/New Zealand family. White NZ are called 'Pakeha' here and I from what I can tell they are an extremely proud nation, the Pakeha's probably don't feel associated with the Maori culture too strongly, they are fascinated with it, most from what I can tell know very little about the Maori culture, they don't speak the language and few understand the words of the Haka which was originally a war song sung by the Maori warriors prior to battle. Nowadays it is sung at many events, even my son's kindegarten put on a Haka recently which was adorable. However, I don't think it has a place in Rugby these days, far too aggressive and threatening for sport.

Tom M

New Zealand Represent! I dont really understand the question but our school does the haka as a sign of respect toward s the Maori/Polynesian culture, while keeping the tradition of Haka alive. Im not sure if that answers your question but oh well i tried!

Forfirith

I am white. But I was brought up in school learning some basics of the language and culture. It is a privilege for men to perform a haka and means a lot. I don't think Maori people frown upon Pakeha doing the haka. It is repectful and an honour. As long as they know the meaning behind it, which I'm pretty sure they do. I love the haka. My sister had 3 performed at her wedding, different ones, and every one was so powerful. Sending a shiver up my spine. Being a New Zealander means you embrace the culture of both Maori and Pakeha.

jstcruizin

i assume "PAGRUS" is a bitter kiwi that knows nothing! I am half Maori,so im white with dark features. and i work full time and raise my son paying for his education and needs by myself,no goverment help needed here.Also there are no full blooded Maori left. The haka is a powerful war chant that dates back years and years ago,its part of our country,its ours and it originated from NZ,it belongs to us so we are all proud to display it. There are some people that frown upon it,but there are more people that think that its an awesome thing seeing all walks of life doing the haka when and where appropriate

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