Hurricanes Poua Face Criticism After “Controversial” Haka

The Hurricanes Poua are receiving criticism for their altered haka which many witnessed at the team’s first game of the Super Rugby Aupiki season against Chiefs Manawa. The haka was seen to harshly criticise the current government as it included the words “karetao o te Kāwana kakiwhero”, or “puppets of this redneck government”. Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee has addressed this, stating that “The Hurricanes shouldn’t be making any political statement”, and that they were “blindsided” with the changes made to the haka. 

The team’s prop and haka leader, Leilani Perese, has addressed the decision to alter the haka herself, stating that she felt “very empowered”, and the reaction of her teammates was incredibly encouraging. Perese also spoke about how she expressed the desire to perform this new haka to her non-Māori teammates. She stated that she “sat down with them and explained to them what is going on with our government”, and that “they completely understood. They understand the mamae (pain) we’re going through, the anger and frustration. They felt it too.”

Many politicians have also taken to making their own response to the haka. Former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins came to the defence of the Hurricanes Poua, stating that “that is the nature of what haka is”, and that he does not believe that politicians have any right to “tell sports teams what to do.” On the other end, ACT leader David Seymour had this to say:

“You are free to say whatever you want – and if the government comes and lops you off for saying it, guess who would be the first person sticking up for your rights to say it? Me. However, that doesn’t mean to say you are free to write and say any stupid thing you like without me telling you it is stupid.”

There have been various degrees of both support and opposition to the haka performed by the Hurricanes Poua. However, with the backlash it has faced, it has been said that the team will not be allowed to repeat it.  

Week one of the Super Rugby Aupiki saw the Chiefs Manawa defeat Hurricanes Poua 46-24, and Matatū face defeat against the Blues Women with the score 17-24.

Guardiola Praises Foden as Best PL Player

After Manchester City’s 3-1 win against Manchester United, City manager Pep Guardiola stated that Phil Foden is the “best player in the Premier League right now”. Foden scored twice in the Manchester derby which, followed by a late goal by Haaland, solidified the team’s victory.

Who do you think is the Premier League’s top performer right now?