NZL – Haka a special moment for Pero and Tall Blacks

ISTANBUL (2010 FIBA World Championship) – When Pero Cameron leads the New Zealand Tall Blacks in the Haka, it is an imposing and impressive sight.
 
And that is not surprising given how much practice he has had. “I used to do it to my nana. My nana used to make me do it to her when I was really young, four or five,” the 36 year old power forward said.
 
“I’ve grown to like leading the Haka, in the past it hasn’t phased me, I like when other guys lead it – Lindsay Tait, Vukona have led it in the past,” he said. “But it is really good for me, not so much leading it but kind of getting you into the moment leading into the game.”
 
The word Haka means dance, and it is in fact a traditional dance of the Maori people – the indigenous people of New Zealand – commonly used to challenge enemies before battle. Many Pacific Islander tribes also had traditional war dances.
 
Today, the Haka is one of the most widely known and respected symbols of New Zealand. “The Haka has special meaning for our players and our team, and the people of our country,” he said, before talking about his decision to move the Haka all the way forward to the half way line mid-dance against the French.
 
“I think (it was) just spur of the moment thing. It was very good to see them stop what they were doing and face it and accept the challenge. And we gave them a pretty good haka I felt, and it was a pretty good experience for them to face it close,” he said.
 
“I think that was the first time a team has stood in front and faced us which was great. And for us, for me, it gets me really into the moment and preparing.”
 
And while the Tall Blacks are sure to give another passionate Haka when they face Russia in the Eight Finals on Monday night, Cameron – a veteran of three FIBA World Championships and two Olympics – knows it will take more than that to advance to the Quarter Finals.
 
“It is a big game and they are a very good team,” he said. “They have been playing very well, they are tough. Tough country, tough team, great program, great coach, and very good players.”
 
To see up-close footage of the Haka and Pero’s full interview go to FIBA TV.
 
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