New Zealand Army's most senior officer greeted with haka dance by Defence Force
The new chief of the army for New Zealand was greeted by members of the Defence Force performing a haka war dance as she arrived at their headquarters.
The most senior officer in the New Zealand Army, Major General Rose King, who was named as the Chief of Army this month, was greeted on her arrival at the Defence Force Headquarters in Wellington by personnel performing the iconic traditional war dance of the Māori people.
A video released online shows Maj Gen King watching other officers performing the routine's vigorous movements and stamping their feet.
The haka was created by tribal war chief Ngati Toa Chieftain Te Rauparaha in around 1820.
Defined as a generic term for all Maori tribal dances, the haka is often composed of men at the fore with women providing vocal support.
The haka has been performed by members of the New Zealand Armed Forces across the world.
The All Blacks rugby team are known to perform the haka before their matches.
Maj Gen King has held a variety of appointments within defence during her career, including the Director of Reserves and Youth Development, Director of Strategic Commitments, and the Chief of Staff at the Headquarters of Joint Forces New Zealand.
She was promoted to brigadier in June 2021 and appointed Deputy Chief of the New Zealand Army in December 2021.
Join Our Newsletter
