Backdown kapa haka stamps on could cost $190,000

Stamp collector Don Ion contributed to the NZ Post backdown with his complaint over the stamps. Picture / Daily Post

The haka of protest ignited over a controversial set of stamps featuring cartoon Maori cultural performers has forced a backdown by New Zealand Post - and cost around $190,000.

The five cartoon-style stamps depicting Maori in a range of kapa haka stances were expected to be released next week. However, outrage by Maori, who say the stamps are ugly and depict the culture in a bad light, have forced a rethink by NZ Post officials.

Maori concerns were backed by Rotorua-based stamp collector Don Ion, who last month said the "disgusting" stamps made New Zealand the laughing stock of the world.

New Zealand Post Group chief executive John Allen said yesterday that the criticism had forced the company to pull the stamps, at a cost to the state-owned enterprise of around $190,000.

"A segment of the population, the Maori population and performing arts population, found the particular style and the way people were depicted on the stamps offensive.

He said the intention was to celebrate the haka and Maori performing arts, and if the stamps did not do that then they had to be withdrawn.

"We decided we needed to go back to the drawing and start again."

Stamp artist Abel Vaireka said he had intended to capture the spirit of kapa haka.

The decision has been applauded by Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples, who said it was good NZ Post had listened to Maori concerns "rather than running roughshod over the very people they are looking to honour."

However, Rotorua deputy mayor Trevor Maxwell expressed disappointment: "Maori performing arts are the loser. The promotion of them locally, nationally and internationally - it's just another lost opportunity."