Ruby Tui and Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu stand aside from the Chiefs Manawa haka. Photo: Sky Sport
Waikato-Tainui has thrown its support behind Super Rugby Aupiki team Chiefs Manawa for using its public platform to express political views.
The team's haka - He Piko, He Taniwha - was performed by Chiefs Manawa before their 17-10 win over the Blues Women at Bell Park, Pakuranga, on Saturday afternoon.
Waikato-Tainui executive chair Tuku Morgan said the haka drew on historical narratives that spoke to the Crown confiscation of Tainui land.
"The bravery of this team ought to be celebrated, because they represent a region that was invaded by colonial troops which led to the wholesale confiscation of our land and future economic potential," he said.
"Here's a group of women who have a message to convey to this nation and we stand behind them in full support for their ability to say what's in their heart."
At the match on Saturday, Chiefs Manawa players Ruby Tui - one of the country's most recognisable rugby players - and Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu - who usually leads the haka - did not participate.
Both players stood still and silent at the back of the team while the haka was performed.
It follows their first match of the season on 2 March, where the word "kāwanatanga" was heard in the team's haka performance, although the context in which it was used remains unclear.
Chiefs management has acknowledged that the karanga before the haka "spoke of the importance of Te Ao Māori", but refused to answer questions around the specific wording used.
At that same game, Wellington team Hurricanes Poua used their haka as an opportunity to send their own message - calling out "karetao o te Kāwana kakīwhero" or "puppets of this redneck government".
Tukoroirangi Morgan at the Iwi Chairs Forum at Waitangi. Photo: RNZ / Ella Stewart
Speaking to RNZ, the Waikato-Tainui chair did not confirm if he had a full understanding of what was performed at the Chief Manawa's first match.
Instead, he said Tui and Marino-Tauhinu taking the field and not performing a haka was itself a political message - and they had the iwi's full support.
"Whether or not they were actively participating... the fact they were on the field, that they were joining shoulders with the team says to me they are united in their stand.
"Whether its Ruby Tui or the leader from the team from Wellington, the message is undeniable. Both of them stand by the challenge laid down in those haka against the crown.
"I take my hat off to both of them, they are strong and powerful women. They have something to say to every person in this country and that is - Māori are citizens of this land. We have equal rights like everyone else. Everyone has a right to have their say.
"In this instance these women have chosen a haka to convey their shared disappointment and deep concern about what this government is doing," he said.
The Chiefs Manawa will take on Matatū at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday.