Vodafone Warriors fans create and perform Haka to inspire the team

A group of 100 Vodafone Warriors fans converged on Mount Smart Stadium to send a tribute to the Vodafone Warriors, stuck in Australia due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. 

The virus forced the suspension of the NRL 2020 season in March before it resumed on May 28 with all games to be played in Australia for the foreseeable future.

Biosecurity restrictions have resulted in teams playing in stadiums without spectators and, in some cases, not playing at their home grounds, most notably the Vodafone Warriors who have returned to action away from Mount Smart and their army of supporters.

To highlight that their fans are there in spirit, if not in person, major sponsor Best Foods arranged a 100-strong haka at Mount Smart Stadium to wish the Vodafone Warriors luck in Australia.

Best Foods worked with Tāpeta Wehi, CEO of Tāmaki Makaurau kapa haka group The Haka Experience, who created a bespoke performance that charts the trials and tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic. It conveys how New Zealanders united to overcome the pandemic as well as paying respect to the Vodafone Warriors for the sacrifice they have made by playing in Australia.

Photo / Supplied

As an important part of Māori culture steeped in honour and tradition, it was essential that the haka was executed with respect and mana.  It was led by The Haka Experience kapa haka group, and supported by local performers and Iwi.

Tāpeta Wehi commented: “It has been an honour performing for the Vodafone Warriors. This unique haka tells a powerful story of national unity following the Covid-19 pandemic and demonstrates our support for the team all the way from Aotearoa.”

Matt Rigby from Best Foods added: “We want to promote national support for our team playing in Australia. Our goal is to stand with the Vodafone Warriors and let them know the team of five-million back home are behind them 150% - if we can’t be there in person, we will be there in spirit.”

Vodafone Warriors GM Commercial Glenn Critchley says this performance will mean the world to the team.

“With the boys having left their friends and whanau behind for the season and not having the physical support of fans on their home turf in New Zealand, seeing an incredible performance like this will lift everyone’s spirits.

Tāpeta Wehi added: “Haka is a sacred treasure that has been passed down to us by our ancestors. We use haka to tell and share our stories, to share tribal knowledge, tribal stories, recite genealogy and pass oral history onto the younger generations. Haka is used to address issues or challenge issues, whether they be political, environmental or even social issues.”

Tu Mai Nga Tama Toa! — Rise Up, The Warriors!

Maranga mai e te iwi e

Tukitukia, werowerohia te mate urutā

Rere ana te mataku, rere ana te wehiwehi

Ka mate ka mate, ka ora ka ora

Tu mai nga tama toa,

Kia kaha, kia toa, kia manawanui e

Ahakoa he tawhiti te whanau,

Kore kore rawa e tu mokemoke

He matenga poto, he oranga roa

Tu mai nga tama toa, Kia kaha, kia toa

Kia kotahi tatou

Ka mate, ka mate ka ora, ka ora

Photo / Supplied

Aotearoa it's time to rise up!

We are being tested by this pandemic

The unknown causing apprehension and fear

Will we perish? No, we will live

Rise up the warriors

Be strong, be determined and be brave

Although you are far from your families

You have never been alone

A short sacrifice for long term benefit

Rise up warriors, be strong, be brave

We are in this together

Will we perish? No, we will live, we will live.