Wellington iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira has hit out against Kiwi artist Dick Frizzell, who printed the lyrics to the haka 'Ka Mate' on his new t-shirt line.
Frizzell posted images of the new design on Facebook, and came under fire as a result because any publication of the haka for commercial purposes must acknowledge the composer, Ngāti Toa chief Te Rauparaha, unless an agreement was reached with the iwi, as stated in the Haka Ka Mate Attribution Act.
Radio New Zealand reported Ngāti Toa did not give Frizzell permission to use the lyrics.
"Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira did not give permission for this, nor did it waive the right of attribution," Ngāti Toa said in a statement.
"This happens quite often, usually overseas, but it is happening more often in Aotearoa. In the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup, it is not surprising that people would try to capitalise on the haka 'Ka Mate'.