Muriwhenua Kapa Haka will perform a special new haka, Ko te Wharetapu o Muriwhenua, at the national championships, Te Matatini, that start in Hastings today."The haka makes a stance against all the bad publicity making us look like the centre of harm in New Zealand. So we want to paint a picture that this is not our house, this is not the house left to us by our tupuna," kaihaka Thomas Strickland said.
Hatea Kapa haka and Te Puu Ao groups are also taking part in Te Matatini from Te Tai Tokerau.
The Muriwhenua roopu (group) includes participants from Ngati Kuri, Ngai Takoto, Ngati Kahu, Te Aupouri and Te Rarawa, who developed the haka around sustainable hauora (health), leading to a collective stance against drug use, gambling harm, unhealthy food and smoking.
"The organisers of Te Matatini have been leading the way in healthy lifestyles promotion, and it's a perfect fit for the new Muriwhenua haka," said Anthony Hawke, general manager of Maori Public Health for Hapai Te Hauora.
"We congratulate Te Matatini for once again running an event without alcohol or tobacco, and with healthy food and beverage options. As the premier showcase for Maori performing arts it's a great opportunity to role model hauora Maori as well."
