An American brewery bottling a "Maori King" branded ale has upset Kingitanga followers and led a public health advocate to call for it to be withdrawn from sale.
Colorado microbrewery Funkwerks sells the 750ml bottles for US$10 ($12) each. The brown bottles display a stylised facial moko with "Maori King" laid over the image.
Company spokeswoman Jean Parker-Renga said she came up with the ale's name, which pays homage to the New Zealand origin of Rakau hops used in the beer.
"We wouldn't want to offend anyone ..."
Asked if she knew the Maori king's name - Tuheitia, Mrs Parker-Renga said she did not.