Maori Council calls on Maori to gather for a national Haka on Friday in support of the Muslim community and the victims of the Terrorist attack

The New Zealand Maori Council is calling on Maori from right across the nation to come out this Friday in a national show of support for the whanau and victims of last week’s terrorist attacks in Christchurch.

“Maori people and communities have wrapped their arms around our Muslim brothers and sisters through the last week and this Friday we want all of you to come out again. Put down your tools and pens, papers, remotes and iPhones. Come out of your whare’s and your Maraes, your workplaces and communities in a national moment of Haka – to show our respect and aroha for those who have been lost.” Were the words of Sir Eddie Durie, Chair of Council.

“We have been working with a number of other Maori organisations and communities these last 24 hours to try and come up with some way of showing our support and our conclusion was the Haka. The Haka is a powerful reminder of the connection between culture and community. It is iconic and a sign of respect.” Said Council Executive Director, Matthew Tukaki

“What we are asking Maori to do is to gather outside the Mosques in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters as they answer the call to prayer. At 12.30pm, as the call to prayer is issued we will gather and Haka in support of those lost and their families and also to show the Muslim community that Maori stand as one with them. But; what we also encourage our people to do is to mobilize wherever you are. Gather at your own local places of worship, the local Mosques and do the same.” Said Tukaki

“Wherever you are across the nation and around the world you can also take part. Gather your whanau, your kapa haka groups, your Wardens and whanau and do the same!” Tukaki said

“But lets not stop there whanau! Take a video and post online and across social media – lets show the world that Maori stand by our brothers and sisters!” Tukaki said

“In Christchurch I have to say the people of Ngai Tahu have been incredible and members of the community will be leading the haka outside both of the affected mosques. So come and join them and us in a national show of support for our Muslim brothers and sisters.” Said Tukaki

Details:

Gather outside the Linwood Mosque 223A Linwood Avenue / the Maskid Al Noor Mosque 101 Deans Avenue
For other Mosque Locations: https://www.halaltrip.com/mosque-search/f/new+zealand/c/new+zealand/
Gather at 12.30pm

ends

© Scoop Media