Shaneel Lal calls out ‘racism’ at government-funded Te Matatini haka event

Summarised by Centrist

A haka aimed at ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar has sparked backlash, with rainbow advocate Shaneel Lal saying criticism crossed a line when it targeted Indian identity rather than the individual.

The haka, performed by Te Pae Kahurangi at the Tainui Regional Kapa Haka competition, included translated lines such as “bloody curry Indian, dark skinned, oily, racist, roti eater” and “return to your own home, to vast land, to great poverty, to many problems.”

The performance was directed at Parmar, who has taken positions against race-based scholarships, designated spaces in universities, and compulsory Treaty courses. 

She also faced criticism after seeking advice on potential penalties for Te Pāti Māori MPs following their Treaty Principles haka in Parliament.

Lal said criticism of Parmar’s views was legitimate, but warned it had broadened into something else. “Criticism of her as an individual, and of what she advocates for, is justified,” Lal said. “But when criticism of her actions extends to all people who share her identity, that is racism.”

“When criticism of Parmjeet turns into criticism of being Indian, that includes people like me,” Lal added, saying many in the Indian community had “spent decades standing alongside Māori across Aotearoa.”

People’s Action Plan Against Racism said the Te Matatini stage had been used as “a racist weapon,” warning that political performance should “never be allowed to tip over into racist attacks against individuals or communities.”

Te Matatini chief executive Carl Ross said the content had been removed and internal processes would be reviewed. Te Pae Kahurangi apologised for the offence caused but maintained the haka was aimed at Parmar, not the wider Indian community.

Editor’s note: Te Matatini is government-funded. In Budget 2024, the coalition government committed $48.7 million over three years from 2025/26 to support kapa haka, including regional competitions and the national festival structure. While the haka was performed by Te Pae Kahurangi at a regional event, Te Matatini’s chief executive confirmed the organisation intervened to remove the content and will review its processes.

Read more over at RNZ

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