KA MATE

A cultural property beyond rugby

Synopsis

In 1999, following a powerful performance by the All Blacks, the Ka Mate haka became a global phenomenon, taking over the world by storm, extending beyond the borders of rugby matches.

However, the Maori tribe of Ngati Toa, who originated Ka Mate, has viewed it as a mockery and criticized the exploitation of their identity for profit. They have tried to regain ownership of Ka Mate's intellectual property ever since.

This film tells the story of New Zealand's number one cultural export and its significance, as told by the Ngati Toa themselves.