NZ Post defends 'ugly' kapa haka stamps

Stamp collector Don Ion wants the stamps withdrawn. Picture / Daily Post

New Zealand Post is defending a series of cartoon kapa haka images on a new set of postage stamps, after they were described as "ugly" by local Maori.

The five cartoon-style stamps depict Maori in a range of kapa haka - traditional Maori performing arts - stances.

Anaru Grant, a performer for Te Arawa kaumatua Anaru Rangiheuea and Rotorua kapa haka, whose image appears in promotional material for the series, has called for the stamps to be withdrawn.

"I don't think Maori should be portrayed like that," he told the Rotorua Daily Post. "They are modern hand-drawn and not symbolic of Maori. They look cheap and ugly."

Rotorua stamp collector Don Ion has also criticised the stamps and wants them withdrawn. He said they made New Zealand the laughing stock of the world.

New Zealand Post described the stamps as a fresh and contemporary interpretation of kapa haka, and plans to release them on June 7.

Mr Masters said stamps offered "a wonderful opportunity" to celebrate an art form that was "totally unique" and of great cultural significance to New Zealanders.

- NZPA, DAILY POST (ROTORUA)

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