18 Mar 2011

Iwi offers haka deal to more sporting codes

7:18 am on 18 March 2011

Lower North Island iwi Ngati Toa has extended an invitation to other sports codes to sign an agreement to allow them to continue performing the haka, Ka Mate.

Ngati Toa and the Rugby Union have signed a memorandum of understanding allowing the All Blacks' ongoing use of the haka.

The agreement also provides reassurance to the iwi that the haka will be respected.

Ngati Toa chief Te Rauparaha is believed to have created the renowned haka, first performed by the All Blacks in 1905.

Iwi executive director Matiu Rei says its deal with the Rugby Union will not restrict other sports teams from using the haka.

However, he is encouraging other codes to sign the memorandum.

Basketball New Zealand and the New Zealand Olympic Committee are considering the invitation.