US comic says sorry for haka criticism

American comedian and podcast host Joe Rogan has apologised to any offended New Zealanders after calling the haka “stupid”.

Rogan took aim at the traditional Maori war cry on a podcast with actor Hannibal Buress, attacking the haka done by the New Zealand national basketball team — the Tall Blacks — in their 2014 Basketball World Cup game against the United States.

“This is ridiculous, they’re playing basketball. You’re playing NBA superstars you ****ing dummies . . . It seems stupid. It’s a performance art. The other players clapped. They’re like ‘good job children!’”

After receiving criticism for his comments, Rogan walked it back yesterday on social media.

“Being American I’m ignorant to what the haka means to the culture of the people of New Zealand, and unfortunately I pissed some people off by joking around, and for that I sincerely apologise.”

The cultural adviser for the Tall Blacks, former player Paora Winitana, helped create the team’s new haka and says Rogan’s comments are an opportunity to educate people about the importance of the haka.

Winitana said the Tall Blacks’ haka — Tu Kaha O Pango Te Kahikatea — drew inspiration from Maori culture and the story of Tane.

“Our haka talks about that story and how the Tall Blacks go on a journey, every year as the small nation that we are, and we overcome great odds and great challenges.

“We talk about how, in order for us to overcome these things, we have to rely on our current strength but also the strength of our culture.

“If [observers] are willing to take the time out to listen and learn, then they’ll realise this is just more than something [players] do before a game, it’s about who we are as a people.”