As the country struggles to respond to the horrific tragedy, it was perhaps inevitable that many would turn to the haka. (Photo: AFP/ANTHONY WALLACE) Kiwis ranging from heavily tattooed bikers to business executives, children and the elderly have lined up to perform the intimidating ceremonial dance which begins with fierce chants roughly translated as "I Live! I Die!" As the country struggles to respond to the horrific tragedy, it was perhaps inevitable that many would turn to the haka - a dance whose origins lie with the indigenous Maori community but which has become a global symbol of New Zealand as the battle cry of its national rugby team, the All Blacks. The aggressive ritual and threatening histrionics may seem out of step with the sombre atmosphere gripping the nation after Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian and avowed white supremacist, allegedly gunned down 50 Muslims during prayers last Friday (Mar 15). But the haka is not only meant to intimidate, but also to … [Read more...] about “I Live! I Die!”: New Zealand uses haka to heal after attacks
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Reports of dead as New Zealand police hunt ’active’ mosque shooter
Viet Nam News CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Several people were reported dead when a gunman opened fire at a crowded mosque in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, during afternoon prayers on Friday. Local media reported up six people were dead and the South Island city was placed in lockdown as police hunted for an "active shooter". "A serious and evolving situation is occurring in Christchurch with an active shooter," police said in a statement. "Police are responding with its full capability to manage the situation, but the risk environment remains extremely high." The Masjid al Noor was filled with worshippers, including members of the Bangladesh cricket team. One witness told stuff.co.nz he was praying in the Deans Ave mosque when he heard shooting and saw his wife lying dead on the footpath outside when he fled. Another man said he saw children being shot. "There were bodies all over me," he said. An eyewitness told Radio New Zealand he heard shots fired … [Read more...] about Reports of dead as New Zealand police hunt ’active’ mosque shooter
A look inside New Zealand naval frigate Te Mana at Saigon Port
The ship is 118 meters long and has a beam of 14.8 meters. It has a standard displacement of 3,600 tons and top speed of 27 plus knots, a range of 6,000 nautical miles, and a complement of 178 personnel. The Te Mana is one of the two most important warships of the New Zealand navy. The other, the Te Kaha, visited Da Nang in June last year. SH-2G Super Seasprite, a ship-based helicopter, helps extend shipboard surveillance and provides weapons capabilities against several types of enemy threats. Commander Lisa Hunn (R), the first ever woman commanding officer of a New Zealand frigate, said: “This visit marks the strong diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Vietnam.” The Te Mana has a helipad on its stern. In this photo, the crew gets ready to welcome honored guests. The ship has a radar system for combat and surveillance purposes. The crew does a kapa haka performance. After Saigon, the Te Mana’s next port of call is Singapore. A look inside New Zealand naval … [Read more...] about A look inside New Zealand naval frigate Te Mana at Saigon Port
New Zealand’s navy frigate visits Vietnam
Vietnamese and New Zealand officers take a photo at Sai Gon port (Source: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – New Zealand’s (NZ) navy frigate HMNZS Te Mana F77 carrying 178 officers and crew members anchored at Sai Gon Port in Ho Chi Minh City on September 25, commencing its five-day visit to Vietnam. This is the first visit to HCM City by New Zealand’s navy force this year, marking the 43rd anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Oceanic nation. Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Hunn, Commanding Officer of Te Mana, said the visit forms part of the defence cooperation between the two countries, and thus contributing to the partnership between their militaries in general and navies in particular. Speaking at the welcome ceremony for the NZ guests, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Anh, deputy head of Brigade 125 of Naval Zone 2, said the visit offers the two sides a chance to share experience and explore each other’s land, people, and cultures. During their … [Read more...] about New Zealand’s navy frigate visits Vietnam
New Zealand navy ship docks at Saigon Port
This is the first visit of the Royal New Zealand Navy to HCM City in 2018 to mark the 43rd anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic ties. Offices and sailors of the Royal New Zealand Navy on board of HMNZS Te Mana F77. Vietnamese officers welcome Lieutenant colonel Lisa Hunn and other crewmembers at Saigon Port. A dance performance by crewmembers of the HMNZS Te Mana F77 at Saigon Port. This is the first visit of the Royal New Zealand Navy to HCM City in 2018 to mark the 43rd anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic ties. Offices and sailors of the Royal New Zealand Navy on board of HMNZS Te Mana F77. Vietnamese officers welcome Lieutenant colonel Lisa Hunn and other crewmembers at Saigon Port. A dance performance by crewmembers of the HMNZS Te Mana F77 at Saigon Port. … [Read more...] about New Zealand navy ship docks at Saigon Port