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Louisa Tipene Opetaia

Guest writer

Louisa Tipene Opetaia (Te Rarawa, Hāmoa, Whītī) is a kaihononga, for Glorious Publicity. She is a seasonal tour guide with Haka Tours, serving as a connector between international guests and Aotearoa, providing cultural experiences and sharing te reo Māori, tikanga and pūrākau (stories) with manuhiri from all over the world.

The author, in red, with her children Tūmanako, Tiararaina and Tāne.

My fight to bring my Māori children home

Who would leave Covid-free NZ to travel to the US during a pandemic and amid escalating racial tensions? Well, I would – but only for three very special reasons.

By Louisa Tipene Opetaia | 10th June, 2020

TJ Perenara leads ‘Kapa o Pango’ prior to the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group B game between New Zealand and South Africa on September 21, 2019 in Yokohama, Japan. Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

A Rugby World Cup lesson: Disrespect the haka at your own peril

On Saturday, South African fans sang loudly over the top of the All Blacks' haka in the opening round of the Rugby World Cup. Opposing sides and crowds can do what they want, writes Louisa Tipene Opetaia, but should heed the lessons of the past.

By Louisa Tipene Opetaia | 25th September, 2019