Best Foods has organised a “100-strong ‘COVID-19’ Haka” for the Vodafone Warriors. As the Vodafone Warriors continue to fight the 2020 NRL season stranded in Australia, New Zealand fans have come together at Mount Smart Stadium to show their support.
Best Foods has sponsored this bespoke 100 person haka which tells the story of the Vodafone Warriors overcoming the challenge of COVID-19. The virus forced the suspension of the NRL 2020 season in March before it resumed on May 28th with all games to be played in Australia for the foreseeable future.
Biosecurity restrictions have resulted in teams playing in stadiums without spectators and, in some cases, not playing at their home grounds. The Vodafone Warriors have sadly returned to action away from Mount Smart and their army of supporters.
The 100-person haka will wish the Vodafone Warriors luck ahead of their battle with the Melbourne Storm today.
Best Foods worked with Tapeta Wehi, CEO of Tamaki Makaurau kapa haka group, The Haka Experience, to create a haka that highlights the trials and tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic. It conveys how New Zealanders united to overcome the pandemic as well as paying respect to the Vodafone Warriors for the sacrifice they have made by playing in Australia.
“It has been an honour performing for the Vodafone Warriors. This unique haka tells a powerful story of national unity following the Covid-19 pandemic and demonstrates our support for the team all the way from Aotearoa,” said Wehi.
“We want to promote national support for our team playing in Australia. Our goal is to stand with the Vodafone Warriors and let them know the team of five-million back home are
behind them, 150 percent – if we can’t be there in person, we will be there in spirit,” added Matt Rigby from Best Foods.
