Political message during the Haka in the Turin match against Italy, controversy breaks out in New Zealand

The haka as a tool for political claims and struggle is causing controversy in New Zealandas reported by the local press, for the message launched by TJ Perenara, who during the All Blacks’ match against Italy in Turin wanted to express support for the protests for the Treaty of Waitangi. In the haka performed before the match against the Azzurri, the message “Toitū te mana o te whenua, toitū te mana motuhake, toitū te tirati o Waitangi” translates as “the sovereignty of the land remains, the sovereignty of the people remains, the Treaty of Waitangi remains.” The haka comes after a march of 42,000 people against the Treaty Principles Bill, one of the largest protests in New Zealand history in defense of the Maori people. The march that began at Cape Reinga arrived in front of the Parliament in Wellington after a thousand kilometers and nine days, with the aim of opposing the proposal to extend the Treaty of 1840, stipulated between the British Crown and the leaders of approximately five hundred Maori tribes, to all New Zealand citizens. Perenara had previously expressed support for the Poua Hurricanes, who had used the haka to criticize the government, and told Sky Sports on Saturday that the march showed Aotearoa’s unity. All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson confirmed that Perenara had discussed with him and the federation what concepts to express during the haka, stressing that it was his right to choose the words used. Maori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer called Perenara’s message “very important for New Zealand”, highlighting how protecting the Treaty means protecting all New Zealanders. ACT Party leader David Seymour has a different opinion, according to which the law on the principles of the Treaty guarantees equal rights and duties for all, but underlines the right to self-determination, not only for the Maori.