Post by Kiwi Frontline on Aug 25, 2021 4:17:32 GMT 12
BABY BRAND HAAKAA NOW 'DEEPLY SORRY' FOR 'DISRESPECTFUL' BRANDING AFTER DENYING ANY LINK TO TIKANGA MĀORI
Haakaa, which specialises in baby products like silicone breast pumps, was founded by Morgan Van der Harst and her stepmother Shu Ting Zhang. The company now sells its products internationally in Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.
But activist Te Hāmua Nikora approached the company early last year questioning what the name of the company "even means".
In screenshots of messages shared with Newshub, Nikora informed the company he was a Te Reo and Tikanga consultant, and directly translated: "Haa means 'breath', Kaa means 'on fire'".
"How does this make sense? Why are you using my language and culture to sell your product?" he asked.......
www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2021/08/baby-brand-haakaa-now-deeply-sorry-for-disrespectful-branding-after-denying-any-link-to-tikanga-m-ori.html
Haakaa, which specialises in baby products like silicone breast pumps, was founded by Morgan Van der Harst and her stepmother Shu Ting Zhang. The company now sells its products internationally in Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.
But activist Te Hāmua Nikora approached the company early last year questioning what the name of the company "even means".
In screenshots of messages shared with Newshub, Nikora informed the company he was a Te Reo and Tikanga consultant, and directly translated: "Haa means 'breath', Kaa means 'on fire'".
"How does this make sense? Why are you using my language and culture to sell your product?" he asked.......
www.newshub.co.nz/home/lifestyle/2021/08/baby-brand-haakaa-now-deeply-sorry-for-disrespectful-branding-after-denying-any-link-to-tikanga-m-ori.html