The Haka - New Zealand WW1 Short Film | Isaac Lee

During the Christmas truce, a British soldier was asked why he was crying. “I’m not crying because of how beautiful it is. I’m crying because tomorrow it will be like none of this happened, and we’ll be back to killing each other.”

The reason why soldiers are forbidden to talk to the enemy peacefully. They will realize that they are people too, with families, wives and parents. And then ask themselves,"why are we fighting, this man is just like me?"

To all my brothers and sisters who are out there reading this. I am German. My DNA goes far back to my Germanic and Scandinavian Forefathers and my roots go deep into my culture. My name goes back more than 700 years ago. Almost as long as when Kupe discovered the land if the long white cloud. 2019-2020 I've spend 11 most incredible magical months in Aoteaora. I've worked with the Maori whanau, taking care of the whenua and its creatures. I was freezing, soaked and shocked several times during this work... ... but never have I felt better. At the end, I received the highest honour that was ever given to me, the highest sign of respect. A Haka. Intentionally and ONLY for me my mahi, and the effort, I had put into it. It left me speechless. It left US speechless. I can say, without any doubt.. That there is an unique and powerful bound between us, the Germanic and Maori people. Even though we are the furthest away you can be on this earth. We are one. In the end.. We all are.. Aruha nui ki te tangata. - Te Tiamana

I'm in tears.... the salute was so respectful. War sucks 😢

I wish America kept, and embraced, the songs and dances of its Native Peoples as New Zealand has. The haka is one of the last true warrior traditions left in the world.

It either terrifies or inspires, but the hakka leaves nobody who sees it unfazed.

My German Opa was in the 8th Panzer Division in WW2. He was at war from 40 to 45. From France to Russia. He never hated his “enemy”. He said it was an impossible situation in which the common man had no escape but survival.

Most touching. 51 years ago, while serving overseas. My unit came into contact with Soviet troops. There were no officers present at first. As soldiers will do, we threw some of our C-ration cans of food over to them. Then they threw some of their field rations back at us. It was pretty cool and it got better. In a short time, the air was full of can of food flying between the 2 units. It was great. Pretty soon, rocks were being thrown too. Soldiers on both side were throwing can of food & rock with good accuracy! We had a full fledged little war going. Then, the officers on both sides tried to stop it. Oh, they were screaming at all of us. Then, a can of food came flying over and nailed an officer, another can flew and got another officer on the other side! Again, in short order. The cans and rocks started pouring down on all the officers! Man, we were having a Good time. But then, the Soviet Captian pulled out his pistol and threatened his men. I have no idea who started it, but very fast. The sound of bolts being cycled on our rifles could plainly be heard in the silence. It freaked out the Soviet captian and he dropped his pistol. Everything stopped! Everyone of us was looking directly at that officer. The Soviet troop were amazed that we American soldiers were possibly going to shoot the shit out of that asshole. There was dead silence. Then, our Sargent major stepped out and started yelling, A second later, the Soviet top Sargent started yelling. Everybody froze. Then, our top Sargent started yelling in Russian at the Soviet Top Sargent! The Soviet Sargent started yelling back in English! Those 2 men laid into all the troops. On the Other side! Both sides backed up and then the other Sargents on both sides took charge. We slung our rifles and fell into ranks. As did the Soviets. Then, our Captain stepped up and gave us the order to attention. The Soviet Captain did the same. Then our Captain gave us the order to salute. The Soviet Captain did the same. Close to 300 men, stood tall and gave respect and honor back to each other. All this as the snow started to fall. In short order, both sides withdrew, mounted back up and moved off. Both sides waving and saying good bye as we departed. I was 18 years old. Soldiers may fight and kill each other in battle. But, they are Still human beings. Honor and respect between warriors. It is an amazing thing.

As a Greek I have to say that our lands, despite being so far apart, share so much. Your deeds in Crete will never be forgotten. From an eternal admirer of your country and heritage.

We will remember both side 🇳🇿🇩🇪

I love the fact that the German officer understood that the Haka was a salute to their opponents, not enemies. Then numerous of his subordinates got it and rendered salutes. Beautiful. Brings a tear to the eye every time.

This brought a tear to my eye. In the mid-70s, I attended St Stephens School in Auckland for one year, as an overseas student. It was a so-called Maori school, filled with boarders sent by Maori families from all over NZ. I was a rare foreigner. In that one year, I learnt much about the pride Maoris had in their culture. I learnt about Maori generosity - the passed biscuit tin in this film reminded me of that. I learnt about their love of rugby - St Stephens had an unrivaled first 15. My greatest regret though was not learning the haka, which was frequently performed. There's a haka for every occasion, not just as a prelude to a rugby game. The shouts of "KA MATE, KA MATE, KA MATE" is spine tingling reminder of that one year spent in St Stephens.

"I saw a Haka ceremony in Britain, damn near thought they were going to invade the country" 😂

From Australia. My Great Grandfather McCarthy was in the NZ Auckland Mounted Rifles at Gallipoli. He took part in the chunnik bear assault. Love to hear the haka! The words of the NZ national anthem are so precious, a humble prayer to the Lord. We need that over here.

From France: this film moved me so much that I cried. I admire and respect your culture, and the Haka

Thanks for portraing the germans neither as war mongers nor as covered nazis or idiots without a clue. My family lost members in that war, who never wanted to be there in the first place (not even during the period in the start of the war when a big part of european population was enthusiastic to fight the "one that ends all"). I dont know if any was part of that truce in the first christmas, but i know they wished for something like it in the end.

I am the direct descendant of Te Wharerangi, the man who saved Te Rauparaha's life, despite them being sworn enemies. This video made me cry like a baby. Not many know the story of Te Wharerangi, who descends from Ruatipua and Puhaorangi. Ruatipua don't come here on waka. The descendant of Ngatoroirangi marry into Ruatipua and produce Hapuiti beginning with Te Wharerangi. We are distinct from Tuwharetoa and waka people. We did not come to Okahukura, we are Okahukura. We go from the mountains, to the sea. Furthermore, we have the best anthem ever written. God defend NZ!

"We don't play football, we play rugby got me" 😂😂😂

Proud Aussie with tears in my ears... #ANZAC The Haka may not be Australian, but be damn sure it still inspires us brothers and sisters.

I am a descendant of the Celts of Ireland with the Cork Genome, I feel a unique kinship to the Māori when they do Hakka. It is an incredible feeling, enough to bring tears to my eyes. Live strong Kiwis, you have Brothers and Sisters all over this world!!