'Twaka' in the spirit of rugby
21 Aug 2009
Passionate Kiwi rugby supporters around the world are lining up to voice their support for the All Blacks as they play Australia tomorrow (22.08.09) in Sydney.
For the occasion, the ancient ritual of the legendary Māori haka has had a 21st century makeover sparked by the ever-developing world of social media.
Social media fans are being encouraged to participate in a ‘Twaka’ - a world-first rugby haka on the Twitter social network - in a bid to bring passionate Kiwis and All Black supporters together.
'Twaka' first
Tomorrow’s ‘Twaka’ won’t be the first, but it will be the first in the name of rugby - the sport that put the traditional haka on the world stage.
The world’s first ‘Twaka’ was an instant success when it took place a few weeks ago (31.07.09) to celebrate New Zealand’s annual Māori Language Week.
Now, the enthusiastic response from around the world has led to the second event, planned to support the All Blacks as they play their trans-Tasman rivals in the third Bledisloe Cup match.
Live haka online
The live online haka will be led by rugby supporter and winemaker Stuart Smith of Torea Wines in Marlborough, who says he’s been overwhelmed by the response to the idea.
So far, Twitter and Facebook users from Israel, England, Japan, Australia, Thailand and Bulgaria have signed on for the unique event which could potentially reach hundreds of thousands of people.
Wherever they are, they’ll line up at midday tomorrow (New Zealand time) for the online ‘Twaka’.
Background: Twaka tweeting instructions
Stuart Smith says participants need to update their status with the Haka on their Twitter or Facebook profiles.
Torea will initiate the ‘Twaka’ by tweeting all their followers:
- on Twitter - twitter.com/Toreawines
- on Facebook - facebook.com/pages/ToreaWines
Torea’s 'Twaka' lead will be:
Twaka - Ringa pakia - Uma tiraha - Turi whatia - Hope whai ake - Waewae takahia - kia kino.
During the afternoon, supporters can tweet or post the following verses:
Ka mate! Ka mate! - Ka ora! Ka ora! - Ka mate! Ka mate! - Ka ora! Ka ora!
Tenei Te Tangata Puhuru huru - Nana nei tiki mai - Whakawhiti te ra.
A upa ne ka up ane - Upane, Kaupane - Whiti te ra.
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