Why Ireland faced a slightly different All Blacks Haka in Chicago after introducing ‘sacred’ tool
All Blacks star Codie Taylor with the Maripi and leading the Haka in 2025.
The All Blacks have made an addition to the haka this season with the inclusion of a ‘Maripi’, and great hooker Codie Taylor explained the significance of it to the team.
They unveiled the Maori knife, which can be used as a weapon or a tool, in their opening match of the 2025 Test season against France in Dunedin, and they have used it ever since.
It has regularly been held by Taylor during the haka, who has often led the war dance, and the front-rower explained on Behind the Fern – your all-access pass to the All Blacks, which is free on YouTube and NZR+ – a bit about the Maripi.
‘Symbolises sacredness’
“The name of it is Kiwa. The engravings on it are called ‘Taratara a Kai’, which symbolises sacredness,” he said on the fascinating behind-the-scenes documentary.
“The carver is Kawana Waititi and he’s from Te Whānau-ā-Apanui. It’s actually carved out of black maire, which is one of the hardest and most dense timbers in New Zealand – I think it’s only in New Zealand as well.”
Taylor also revealed what it means to the All Blacks and the squad, and why they decided to have one made so they could perform with it during the haka.
“We talked around the Pacific and how it connects all of us as one, we are a multi-cultured team and we wanted something that represented us as a whole to unify us, but also pay homage to those that have come before that have passed on, and be able to connect to them and what it means to be an All Blacks,” the Test centurion said.
“The teeth are carved out of whalebone and again signify the Pacific and the sharks’ teeth, which were made for shedding and ripping.”
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Mixed All Blacks form
The All Blacks have so far played nine times in 2025, showcasing it in each of the matches.
Scott Robertson’s men faced France in a three-Test series in July, claiming a 3-0 series whitewash, before they moved onto the Rugby Championship.
New Zealand found themselves in a good position after maintaining their Eden Park record by beating the Springboks, but Robertson’s charges succumbed to South Africa in Wellington and that proved costly.
The Boks would go on to retain their title but, despite that setback, the All Blacks will look to end the season on a positive note.
They face Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales on their Grand Slam tour, where the Maripi will be on show in the northern hemisphere for the first time.
“It’s a huge honour to be able to bestow something like this, knowing that it’s been made for the team. This one’s pretty special, a lot of thought’s gone into it, the power of it connecting all the cultures that we have in our team and how that represents us, I think it is special,” Taylor added.
Behind the Fern offers viewers unprecedented access to the locker room of one of the most iconic and successful sports teams in the world, pairing match-day drama with personal moments, from team talks and recovery sessions to travel days and cultural rituals – delivering an authentic, player-led story that only the All Blacks can tell.
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