New Zealand Government Apologizes for Police Misconduct Against Māori People Performing Haka Protest

Apologies follow an incident in 2021 in which police stopped and searched Māori protesters performing a haka

The haka is a traditional Māori dance and challenge that is often used as a form of protest

The New Zealand government has apologized for the actions of police officers who stopped and searched Māori protesters performing a haka in 2021.

The incident occurred in February 2021 when a group of Māori protesters were performing a haka outside the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington.

The protesters were protesting against the government's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The police officers stopped the protesters and searched them, claiming that they were concerned about the protesters' safety.

The government's apology

In a statement, the New Zealand government apologized for the actions of the police officers.

The government said that the police officers' actions were "unreasonable and unnecessary" and that the government "regrets the distress and humiliation" that the protesters experienced.

The government also said that it is committed to working with Māori people to build a better relationship between the two groups.

Significance of the apology

The government's apology is significant because it is the first time that the government has apologized for police misconduct against Māori people.

The apology is also significant because it comes at a time of heightened tensions between the government and Māori people.

In recent years, there have been a number of protests by Māori people against the government's COVID-19 vaccine mandate and other policies.

The government's apology is a sign that the government is listening to the concerns of Māori people and is committed to working with them to build a better relationship.