A powerful haka performed in Perth’s Kings Park on Anzac Day has reduced people to tears as 200 New Zealanders gathered in a display of solidarity with their Aussie mates.
A huge crowd gathered to watch the powerful performance, which was organised by Leon Ruri whose great uncle Joseph Gregory, served with the 28th (Maori) Battalion in WWII.
Mr Ruri, who founded men’s mental health organisation When Men Speak, wanted to use the haka to encourage men to communicate their feelings and speak openly to each other.
Many returned soldiers battle with PTSD and struggle to come to terms with life after war.
New Zealand army veteran Kereama Nepia Chalmers also had a relative who served with the revered Maori Battalion and joined in the haka yesterday in honour of the Anzacs who fought in the world wars.
“I shed a tear for them,” he told The West Australian.
“It’s what they went through. How they fought for us.”
He said the hard-fought battles from both wars strengthened the bonds between Australians and Kiwis.
“For the Anzacs standing together, that must have been a really proud moment,” he said.
Take a look at the powerful performance and tell us what you think.