November 26, 2018
Tobacco haka not right
National tobacco control advocacy group is calling out tobacco giant Philip Morris for using a kapa haka group for a corporate event.
Spokesperson Mihi Blair says the company used the LinkedIn networking site to recruit a small kapa to take part in a pōwhiri in Auckland’s Britomart precinct earlier this month.
She says tobacco companies have taken to trying to manipulate and influence indigenous peoples to promote their products.
"We are asking kapa haka roopu to be mindful of the tobacco industry and what they are doing. Over 5000 people die every year, there are over 166,000 Māori smokers in our country so we are being continually manipulated and it’s not right," Ms Blair says.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com