Multicultural New Zealand (MNZ) is calling foul following another incident involving a group linked to Brian Tamaki, this time in Tauranga. The behaviour reflects a troubling and repeated pattern of public intimidation and cultural misuse.

This is no longer an isolated incident. What is being seen is deliberate provocation and bullying of ethnic and faith communities, framed as protest or cultural expression. That behaviour has no place in Aotearoa New Zealand.

MNZ is particularly concerned about the misuse of the haka as a tool of intimidation. The haka is a taonga of Māori culture, grounded in tikanga, meaning, and respect. Using it to threaten or humiliate others distorts its purpose and undermines its cultural integrity.

With these incidents circulating widely on social media and viewed internationally, there is a real risk that the tikanga and meaning of the haka will be misunderstood. When haka is weaponised in public confrontations, it risks being seen globally as a symbol of aggression rather than unity and respect. This diminishes the mana of the haka, including when it is performed with dignity at every All Blacks game in Aotearoa and around the world.

MNZ emphasises the critical role of New Zealand Police and the Government in ensuring that communities can continue to walk peacefully and confidently on New Zealand streets. Public intimidation and harassment are not protected expressions. Consistent and visible enforcement is essential to maintaining public trust and social cohesion.

MNZ rejects any suggestion that these actions reflect Māori culture, Christianity, or New Zealand society more broadly. They stem from a small fringe group and do not represent the values of this country.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi calls for mutual respect, shared responsibility, and peaceful coexistence. It does not excuse intimidation, cultural misuse, or fear-based domination of public spaces.

New Zealand’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. It must be actively protected. Intimidation and the misuse of culture cannot be allowed to become normalised.

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