Women’s Rugby Haka Controversy Continues as Top Players Accused of Political Stunt

The haka encouraged people to ‘never fold and never bend’ or be ‘puppets of this redneck government,’ raising the ire of Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.

Chiefs Manawa haka during the round two Super Rugby Aupiki match between Blues and Chiefs Manawa at Bell Park in Auckland, New Zealand, on March 9, 2024. Phil Walter/Getty Images

There is speculation around whether the decision by two of New Zealand’s highest-profile women’s rugby players not to perform the traditional Maori challenge before a Super Rugby Aupiki game was politically motivated—but the club is staying tight-lipped regarding the reasons behind it.

The haka, known as “He Piko, He Taniwha,” was performed as usual by Chiefs Manawa players before their game with the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.