New Zealand on pissing after Oranje Leeuwinnen’s haka: “No respect, go home!”

The Orange Lionesses are in Australia, because this country and New Zealand are hosting the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The Dutch women’s team (or rather the KNVB) posted an Instagram story in which 2 players perform a haka. The video was later deleted.

A little explanation: haka is a ceremonial dance of the New Zealand Maori. Maori were the first inhabitants of New Zealand. The New Zealand rugby team (All Blacks), among others, perform a haka before matches.

The haka is sacred
Now it seems only Maori or New Zealanders are allowed to perform a haka. Or that if you perform a haka, you absolutely must not do it with a smile and having fun. Because then you show no respect for the haka.

No respect
Problem: Some players from the Netherlands (Merel van Dongen and Sherida Spitse) had a lot of fun performing a haka during practice. This also happened in Spain. And it’s not allowed, according to some New Zealanders.

star wars actor
For example, actor and singer Jay Laga’aia (active in Star Wars, among others) wrote on Instagram: “You come to our house and you have no respect for our culture! You disappoint your team and your country. You disappoint your family. Your parents must be proud that they chose this international stage, to show how stupid and insensitive you are. Go home !”

Walking on Maori Soul
New Zealand website Thing let a teacher speak, Jeremy Hapetaspecializing in Maori sports culture.

He says, “Whatever the intention, they did damage. They walk on the soul of the Maori. They’ll say they meant no harm, but that’s a boring excuse now. on the other hand, it doesn’t surprise me anymore.”

angry tweets
Check out some angry tweets below.

Seeing the Netherlands and Spain teams disrespect the haka dance as they play on lands that hold it hallowed for the next month is so disappointing. Do better.

-Sara (@Sara823) July 10, 2023

It’s offensive because the Haka is part of their culture and Spanish and Dutch players don’t care. If you don’t see it. You have a problem

— Hannah 💜💜💜💜 (@hannah_c_basso) July 9, 2023

Spanish and Dutch players who disrespected the haka should inquire and apologize. to go to a country, be welcomed with open arms, and then laugh at Maori culture, it’s so awful.

— meg 🇫🇷/🇭🇹🇲🇦 (@frawnts) July 9, 2023

Thus, Dutch and Spanish players jokingly imitate the haka and will play on whenua. audacity. colonizer behavior

— 🥘Abs💜 (@abshbfa) July 9, 2023