Ngati Toa is to campaign for copyright legislation to cover its tribal haka, Ka Mate.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw leads the haka. Photo: AFP
The Government has created a law to ensure commercial users credit its composer, Te Rauparaha.
But Ngati Toa chair Taku Parai said his tribe has been pushing for stronger legislation. He said negotiators attempted to secure a copyright law as part of the iwi's Treaty settlement.
He said they will fight for a copyright law in five years' time, when the existing law requiring attribution to Te Rauparaha is reviewed by the Crown.
Mr Parai said five years will go fast, but warns breaches and misuse of the haka could happen during that time.