Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 04:17 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
On the news it just showed some apparent Maoris doing a violent haka at Ground Zero, the site of the World Trade center New York.
I actually find if totally unnecessary that something like that happens, Ground Zero is a very emotional and special place where violent and primitive dances should not be there to upset the peace. Its also a concern to me as gives New Yorkers watching it the Idea that New Zealand is some kind of nation full of people performing these primitive and violent dances which is not the case at all. I definitely don’t...
The major thing is why were they even there?! Its nothing to do with them, sure some NZ died unfortunately on 9/11 but again totally unnecessary. You don’t see all the other victims’ countries performance primitive dances. Its totally ridiculous and in my opinion a lack of respect. Im sure theres other here that agree...
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 04:42 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
Mmmm thats what Im getting at, it may be done to be respectful but certainly doesnt look it when you actually watch it, so yes it really does appear to be a war dance.
As far as Im concerned totally in appropriate in such an emotional location
Don Bagnall Moderator New Zealand I have WAY less Soarers than Hayden :-(
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 07:05 pm, by: Ben Lipman(Ben12a)
One of the Kiwis correct me if I'm wrong but I think there are different Hakas for different occasions. The All Blacks changed the Haka for the rugby because the new one was seen by some wowsers as a little offensive.
Several years ago I watched a Haka as a welcome, and have seen it done at a funeral.
I could be waaaaaay off base here though. My Australian/Irish heritage did not stretch to this.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 07:17 pm, by: Ben Lipman(Ben12a)
Further to my last post,
From wikipedia: "Manawa wera haka were generally associated with funerals or other occasions involving death. Like the ngeri they were performed without weapons, and there was little or no choreographed movement."
I know it has greater significance to many NZ people than just a primitive dance done by Maoris.
As for why it was done at the WTC, I don't know. Seems strange to me, possibly to signify unity with other free nations, maybe just for those who fell on that day.
I bet there are more than a few Turks puzzled as to why we keep coming to visit a •••••• piece of beach in their country each year.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 07:21 pm, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
At the end of the day the main thing is we have to really just live it with, think beyond it and basically Ignor it if we dont like. It just annoys me when its put into things im personally interested in like Ground Zero and a number of other things...
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - 11:47 pm, by: Kev LeLeu(Kev)
I'm pretty sure everything has been done at that place. All cultures and religions have there way of warding/clensing evil spirits. It's not as bad as those wankers selling souviners [however you spell it]
Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 08:56 am, by: Matthew Sharpe(Madmatt)
It can be a challenge, a celebration of victory, a send off, a welcome or many other things - depends on the chant that goes with it, and the way it is danced. They all have words and the words mean something.
Personally I think its getting very over-used, but it is a tradition, and shows off the "honorable warrior" side of the Maori culture well.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 02:30 pm, by: Dave Hart(Davyboy)
It was done by a police contingent who went to show their solidarity with the NYPD who lost staff. There were some Kiwis who died in the twin towers but I think it was really a police/police thing. Whatever, it could very well have perplexed some but it certainly went down well with the NYPD. I do agree it gets over used which tends to cheapen it somewhat but in this instance it was probably appreciated.
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Its nothing to do with them, sure some NZ died unfortunately on 9/11 but again totally unnecessary. You don’t see all the other victims’ countries performance primitive dances. Its totally ridiculous and in my opinion a lack of respect. Im sure theres other here that agree... 
