Americans learn Haka for grieving Kiwi colleague after missing grandmother’s funeral

A group of American freinds have surprised their Kiwi colleague with the Haka after he wasn’t able to make it to his grandmother’s funeral.

A heartfelt video has gone viral online after a group of American friends secretly learnt the Haka for their Kiwi colleague who recently lost his grandmother.

Jarom Ngakuru, a Māori man from New Zealand living in the United States, said he was left “broken” when he couldn’t make it back home to attend his grandmother’s funeral.

In a touching move, his co-workers surprised him with the traditional dance after teaching themselves in just one day, according to MAI FM.

The group of American colleagues performed the Haka for Mr Ngakuru. Picture: TikTok@jaromngakuru

In a video shared on TikTok, the group can be seen performing the Haka for Mr Ngakuru, who appeared emotional while briefly watching on in the corner of the room.

Moments later, Mr Ngakuru is seen joining in before he is later embraced by one of his workmates.

“Hardest part about living in America is that we live so far away. I couldn’t make it home for my nan’s funeral and I was BROKEN!” Mr Ngakuru captioned the video.

“So my boys at work learned the haka without me knowing and brought home to me.”

The group surprises Mr Ngakuru after he couldn’t make it back home to attend his grandmother’s funeral. Picture: TikTok@jaromngakuru

The video has wracked up over three million views, with many sharing they were left with goosebumps after the emotional performance.

“I don’t think they even understand how beautiful of an act this is,” one person wrote.

“I cry every time I see a Haka. So honoured,” said another.

“Am I the only one who gets goosebumps and tears every time I watch the Haka being

performed?” another wrote.

“This is so beautiful,” said another.

The Haka is a traditional Māori dance performed on important occasions such as sporting events, funerals, and powhiri (a traditional welcome).

Last month, footballer Dallin Watene-Zelezniak celebrated his 200th NRL game by performing the Haka after the Warriors’ victory against the Penrith Panthers.

Watene-Zelezniak performed the dance on the sidelines with a large group of his family and friends who were sitting in the grandstand.

“Great scenes we’re seeing here,” Corey Parker said on Fox League.

“Raw and emotional, 200th game for DWZ. The respect that friends and family are showing.

“His teammates will do something very similar. Doesn’t matter how it comes the Haka, it gives you goosebumps.”

Originally published as Americans learn Haka for grieving Kiwi colleague after missing grandmother’s funeral