A festival for antipodean expatriates in London has decided to cancel a planned attempt for the world's largest haka.
On the Toast Festivals website, it says the move follows prolonged consideration with Maori culture groups in New Zealand and the UK.
"Our aim was to create a magnificent spectacle which would be enjoyed by all those at Toast. Early feedback was received from highly respected iwi who were not comfortable that the haka would be performed appropriately and in line with the true meaning and purpose of the haka."
The festival organisers apologised to those who had bought tickets to Toast expecting to see the haka attempt.
"We feel that in the circumstances we have taken the correct decision as our aim is to foster, celebrate and respect our culture and heritage."
The Toast festival is an annual bash where New Zealand, Australian and South African expatriats in Britain celebrate all things Antipodean.
Up to 5,000 expats a day were expected to party away at the Olympia exhibition centre in Kensington, west London, and fight the homesickness.
The three-day event, focusing on each of the three countries in turn, is an occasion where expats can taste the food, wine and beer they miss and see some well-loved rock stars, rugby players and comedians.
"It's a chance to get together, to celebrate home, eat food and drink wines from home and see big bands from home too," organiser Arran Whitney, 38, said.
"It's a great opportunity to see a lot of people because these are quite small, tight-knit communities, so there's every chance you'll see someone you know and it's a chance for people who've been travelling to catch up and indulge in the good of home.
"It's one of the highlights on the social calendar - we're renowned for being very social beasts and people will have a great time."
The Toast festival has been running for eight years. Originally purely a New Zealand event, the Australia day is in its fourth year and a South African day has been added for 2008.
Saturday was New Zealand day, with lamb stew, green lip mussels and venison kumara skewers being served up, rugby stars Dan Carter and Zinzan Brooke giving out tips and Supergroove performing in Britain for the first time in 15 years.
On Sunday, South Africa's Just Jinjer, Freshlyground and Arno Carstens take to the stage, with springbok potjie, Boerewors rolls, bobotie and koeksisters on the menu and comedian Paul Snodgrass holding court.
Australia's Day, which was held on Friday, featured kangaroo hotpot, buffalo sanga and barramundi and chips on the menu, with Aussie rock legends Jimmy Barnes, Tyrone Noonan and Brooke Supple on stage.
