Spain’s Women’s World Cup squad captain Ivana Andres has prolonged a heartfelt apology to the Maori folks of New Zealand following a video that emerged on social media exhibiting members of her workforce mocking the normal haka.
The video, which was posted shortly after they arrived in New Zealand, was swiftly taken down after Maori cultural specialists and protocol advisors condemned it as disrespectful.
At a powhiri (greeting) ceremony in Palmerston North, the place the Spain squad is predicated, Andres publicly expressed her regret.
Standing earlier than elders and members of the Rangitane O Manawatu iwi (tribe), she learn a press release of apology whereas presenting a Spain enjoying shirt emblazoned with “Papaioea,” the Maori title for Palmerston North.
Speaking in Spanish, which was translated into English for the viewers, the Real Madrid middle again acknowledged the importance of the ceremony that lasted nearly an hour.
“We’ve only been in Aotearoa, New Zealand, for a few days and we have so much to learn about your culture,” mentioned Andres.
She expressed gratitude for the chance to achieve knowledge from Maori elders, significantly in the course of the Matariki, the Maori New Year celebrated nationwide.
Andres continued, “We’d also like to see Matariki as a way to renew our excitement, to learn, to share, to set new goals, and to seek forgiveness for our mistakes while striving to learn more each day.”
She acknowledged the significance of mana (standing) to the Maori folks and emphasised the need to have a good time this by presenting the tribal representatives with a jersey representing Spain’s workforce.
In a passionate deal with, Andres conveyed the symbolic significance of the jersey.
“This shirt represents everything we have to fight for: our sacrifices, our victories, our sweat and our tears. It epitomizes the privilege we have of playing this tournament on your land,” she mentioned.
Responding to Spain’s apology, Professor Meihana Durie, a spokesperson for the iwi, expressed gratitude and acknowledged the sincerity of their phrases.
“Their apology came from the heart, and there was an acknowledgment that they understood the haka is very precious, not only to Maori but to all of Aotearoa,” Professor Durie said. Describing the result of the powhiri as constructive, he added, “Today was a very good outcome.”
Spain are set to face Costa Rica of their opening match of the World Cup in Wellington on Friday.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
