Fallen soldier from New Zealand honored with traditional warrior’s dance “Haka”

12 March 2025 13:51

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on March 11, 2025, a farewell ceremony was held in Kyiv for Dominic Abelen, a soldier of the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, who had the call sign “Tolkien”.

the 28-year-old warrior was a citizen of New Zealand and a representative of the Maori indigenous people. Originally from Nelson, he grew up in a large family and was a caring uncle to his nephews.

Dominic Abelen was a professional soldier, a corporal in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, and had combat experience during the war in Iraq. He was a keen traveler and visited more than 60 countries.

In 2022, he joined the International Legion of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, responding to a call to help Ukraine in its struggle for freedom against the aggressor state. At first, he served as a military instructor, and in the summer of that year he became a machine gunner of a combat unit.

on August 23, 2022, during a combat operation near Vuhledar, he fought a close combat with the Russian invaders, providing fire cover for his comrades. He was wounded and killed in action. Only now has it been possible to return his body to Ukraine, where the soldier was honored with proper military honors.

Dominic Abelen was awarded the DIU’s “Ukraine First” insignia and was posthumously awarded the “For Military Merit” medal.

In honor of their fallen comrade, the Legion soldiers performed the traditional Maori ritual dance “Haka”.

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Gaka: a Maori war dance

Gaka is a traditional ritual dance of the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori. It is performed to demonstrate strength, unity and fighting spirit. Gaka combines rhythmic movements, body blows, sharp gestures, menacing facial expressions and powerful shouts. Initially, this dance was used before a battle to intimidate the enemy and raise the morale of the warriors. In the modern world, gaka is also performed during celebrations, sports competitions, and farewell ceremonies for heroes.

Ká mate is the most famous type of haka

During the farewell to Tolkien, the GUR fighters performed one of the most famous types of haka – “ Ka Mate”, which was created by the Maori chief Te Rauparaha in the XIX century. This dance symbolizes the victory over death and the triumph of life. It tells the story of Te Rauparaha, who, fleeing from his enemies, took refuge in the hut of another chief. When the danger was over, he exclaimed: “Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora!” – which translates to “I am dying! I am dying! I live! I live!”

The structure of Ka Mate includes powerful rhythmic shouts, dynamic movements and impressive facial expressions such as baring teeth, sticking out the tongue and widening eyes. This dance has become world famous thanks to the New Zealand rugby team All Blacks, which regularly performs the Ka Mate before matches.