This may be old hat to some but watching the All Blacks' haka in their latest test match versus Argentina made me very proud to be who I am. A New Zealand Maori with smatterings of various tribal links as well as a very strong Irish connection. A bit of a mix n match you might say!
The presentation of the haka performed equally with wairua, gusto, pride, passion and commitment not only by their captain Kieran Reid at the front but everyone who took part.
What made me even prouder was to look closely at who "we" are as a nation. The makeup of the team and their management come from all walks of life. They are from many races and varying social and economic backgrounds. And yet, they mould together as the one team that for decades has been very difficult for the rest of the world to break. When they have faced adversity they come back stronger and better than before. They demonstrate just how deep their resolve is and their belief in themselves, time and time again.
Each and every one of them stand to represent all that is good and most valued in our society. For that brief 80 minutes we are all locked together in unison, supporting our team, our people, our cultures, our beliefs, our country.
At the end of the game many walk away, back to their silos and the prejudices that for a short time, were left behind.
