Haka Versus Gay Pride, By Bruce Bennet (Former Kiwi)
At the Facebook link below one can see it all. In the vibrant tapestry of Auckland's cultural events, few spectacles have matched the recent encounter at the Pride Parade. Picture this: on one side, a kaleidoscope of rainbow-clad revellers dancing to the beat of love and acceptance; on the other, a group performing the Haka, the traditional Māori war dance, with a fervor that could make a Kiwi volcano blush. The stage was set for a showdown that even the most imaginative New Zealand playwright couldn't concoct.
As the parade meandered through the streets, spreading messages of inclusivity, the Haka performers stood their ground, their faces etched with determination. Their powerful chants and synchronized movements created an atmosphere thick with intensity. Parade participants, momentarily taken aback, paused to witness this unexpected display. Some exchanged puzzled glances, while others captured the moment on their smartphones, perhaps contemplating the juxtaposition of a war dance amidst a celebration of love.
The Haka, traditionally a display of tribal pride and strength, seemed an unusual interlude in the midst of a Pride Parade. Observers were left to ponder: Was this a cultural assertion, a form of protest, or an avant-garde performance art piece? The ambiguity added a layer of intrigue, prompting discussions that rippled through the crowd.
In the end, the parade continued, the Haka performers concluded their display, and Auckland's residents were left with a memorable tableau that encapsulated the city's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. This encounter serves as a reminder that in the dance of cultural expression, sometimes the most unexpected performances leave the most lasting impressions.
It was just another day in the vibrant multicult of Auckland! But, just between you and me, I do not miss the land of the long white cloud.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1176954910700826&rdid=TzhHm4rGOUOztORH
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