"Being American I'm ignorant to what the haka means to the culture of the people of New Zealand, and unfortunately I pissed some people off by joking around, and for that I sincerely apologise."
The cultural advisor for the Tall Blacks, former player Paora Winitana, helped create the new Tall Blacks haka and says that Rogan's comments are an opportunity to educate people about the importance of the haka.
"It's not new for us to get responses like this from different countries, players and people. When you get situations like this where people don't know what it's about, it creates an awesome opportunity to teach."
Winitana explained to the Herald the meaning of the Tall Blacks' haka - Tu Kaha O Pango Te Kahikatea - and how it draws inspiration from Māori culture and the story of Tāne.
"Our haka talks about that story and how the Tall Blacks go on a journey, every year as the small nation that we are, and we overcome great odds and great challenges. We talk about how in order for us to overcome these things, we have to rely on our current strength but also the strength of our culture, our tradition and how that propels us forward and gives us strength to overcome these great odds."
Winitana believes that through these experiences, more people can learn about the Māori culture and the meaning of the haka.
"If they are willing to take the time out to listen and learn, then they'll realise this is just more than something they do before a game, it's about who we are as a people.
"We can share our culture with these people, we can help, to possibly avoid situations like this going forward, but there's a lot of work to be done."
The Tall Blacks haka - TU KAHA O PANGO TE KAHIKATEA.For many people around the world, the first time they see a haka is through watching the Tall Blacks. Here's a quick insight into the New Zealand Tall Blacks' haka, why we do it, what it means, and what we are saying to our opposition. Our haka is TU KAHA O PANGO TE KAHIKATEA.
Thank you to FIBA for allowing us to use the game footage #TallBlacks
Posted by Tall Blacks on Thursday, 10 August 2017