Leo Thompson

[Vee]

A question for our NZ cousins, who traditionally leads the Haka?

I meant to ask this last post season when I saw him lead the Haka v Australia.

Clearly not the best or most talented player in the team, I'm guessing it's a leadership thing, the bloke you will follow no matter what.

I remember years ago when Monty Betham had the gig, again, not the best player by any stretch but tough and could handle himself in a blue by all accounts.

I did google it but found nothing. Please advise...

 

[Bobby DIGital]

The one with the most mana.

 

[Vee]

Mana?

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Mana?

Doesn’t have a direct English translation but “the one who commands the most respect” would loosely translate. And as there’s a cultural aspect to it too that will usually be a Māori player, or at least one who is familiar with leading haka and the protocol around it

 

[Matiunz]

Mana?

Sort of similar to say prestige, can also take into account other things like respect,you’re standing, who your ancestors were etc

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Sort of similar to say prestige, can also take into account other things like respect,you’re standing, who your ancestors were etc

Yep. For example a chief or other high-born individual inherits a degree of mana from his ancestors- this confers both status and responsibilities upon him. If he fulfils those responsibilities well and honourably it increases the mana of both himself and his family/tribe. Conversely if he fails or is disgraced in some way, his and his people suffer a loss of mana. In a similar way a commoner may not inherit much mana but can achieve it through notable deeds and behaviour, and this elevates both their status and that of their descendants, provided they continue the legacy.