Kiwis Pay Respects to Christchurch Victims by Performing ‘Haka’

A New Zealand biker gang performs Haka in solidarity with the victims of Christchurch terror attack.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@deeplookers)

The Christchurch mosque terror attack in New Zealand was one of the worst mass-shootings recently. What set it apart was not just the number of casualties, but the way it was carried out – the terrorist live-streamed the shooting and put out a manifesto before carrying it out. It has also provoked an outpouring of solidarity for the victims.

Groups of people across New Zealand – from biker gangs to students to surfers – have come out to perform the famous New Zealand ‘Haka’ on the streets in an expression of grief and anger towards the deadly attack on Friday, 15 March that killed 50 people.

Haka is a ceremonial dance in the Maori culture. The Maori community of New Zealand performs Haka with vigorous movements and stamping of feet with rhythmical shouting. It is usually performed to acknowledge great achievements, occasions or funerals.

On Sunday, a New Zealand biker gang honoured the victims by performing a version of Haka.

Australia's SBS News also reported on a group of students, who broke into a Haka performance in a tribute to two of their schoolmates, who were among the 50 killed in the shooting.

In another incident, a man, alone, carrying a stick in his hand, also performed an emotional Haka, right outside the Al Noor mosque, one of the two mosques that were attacked.

Videos from across the country are doing the rounds of people in different parts performing Haka in solidarity with the attacks on Friday.