A founder of the National Kapa Haka competition, Te Matatini, is criticising the Prime Minister for not using a Maori greeting at the opening of the Rugby World Cup.
The ceremony in Auckland included a performance of a greeting, waiata, and haka by Te Roopu Haka, Te Matarae i o Rehu, from Te Arawa.
Te Matatini kapa haka judge, Te Napi Tutewehiwehi Waaka, says John Key was upstaged by the chair of the International Rugby Board, Bernard Lapasset, who uttered greetings in several languages - including Te Reo.
The words used by Mr Lapasset were tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa, which drew cheers and applause from the crowd.
Mr Waaka couldn't believe Mr Key welcomed the world in English while Mr Lapasset took the time to learn the greeting and articulated himself beautifully in Maori.
He says the Prime Minister should have shown the world why New Zealand is unique instead of leaving that to the chair of the International Rugby Board.
