Spain captain apologizes after haka video is criticized before Women’s World Cup 

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Spain captain Ivana Andres has apologized to the Maori individuals of New Zealand for a video displaying 4 members of her nation’s Women’s World Cup squad mocking the standard haka which was shared every week in the past on social media.

The video was posted shortly after the workforce’s arrival in New Zealand however was eliminated when consultants of Maori tradition and protocol condemned it as disrespectful.

Andres learn a press release of apology Monday to elders and members of the native Rangitane O Manawatu iwi (tribe) at a powhiri (greeting) ceremony within the North Island metropolis of Palmerston North, the place the Spain squad is predicated.

She additionally offered a Spain taking part in shirt with the phrase Papaioea, the Maori title for Palmerston North, to tribal elders.

The Real Madrid centre again spoke in Spanish through the nearly hour-long greeting ceremony. Her phrases have been translated into English.

“We’ve only been in Aotearoa, New Zealand for a few days and we have so much to learn about your culture,” Andres stated. “Therefore, thank you so much for the kindness to dedicate a few minutes of your wisdom, especially in such (an) important moment as Matariki.”

Matariki is the Maori New Year which is well known in New Zealand with a nationwide vacation.

“We’d also like to see Matariki as a way to renovate our excitement and for us to learn to enjoy, to share and to reach for new goals and to ask for forgiveness for our mistakes and to learn more each day,” Andres stated. “We know how important mana (status) is for Maori people and therefore we’d like to celebrate that by giving you a jersey of our team.”

Andres stated the jersey represented “our mana, our skin, our blood, our sweat and our tears.”

“This shirt represents everything we have to fight for, our sacrifices, our victories, and we hope that you see the privilege we have of playing this tournament in your land.”

Iwi spokesperson Professor Meihana Durie welcomed Spain’s apology.

“Their words 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 stated. “In terms of what happened today at the powhiri, today was a very good outcome.”

Spain will play its opening match of the World Cup in opposition to Costa Rica in Wellington on Friday.