Endorphina’s Maori title receiving some heat

Māori health advocacy organisation “Hapai Te Hauora” has taken umbrage at Czech developer Endorphina’s recent release “Maori”, saying the association drawn between Maori symbols and gambling is an “insult” as Maori suffer disproportionate harm from problem gambling in New Zealand.

In addition, the organization believes the game “bastardizes the Maori culture” through its use and depiction of important Maori cultural symbology.

“They [Endorphina] are trying to say they can introduce Māori culture through a game made by a company on the other side of the world,” Anthony Hawke, general manager of Hapai Te Hauora, said.

Hapai Te Hauora claim Endorphina’s use of Maori-centric elements, such as the haka ka mate and pounamu, is illicit as Maori-specific symbols are protected by law, intellectual property and copyrights.

“They’re ripping off our IP [Intellectual Property]. We need to make a statement to say this is not ok – let’s take it as high as we can take it, let’s get this shut down.”

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