“United by the Same Spirit”: NZ Firefighters Honour 9/11 Victims With Haka Tribute
- The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a ceremony at Auckland's Sky Tower
- New Zealand firefighters performed a traditional haka alongside FDNY honour guard members holding American flags
- The moving tribute brought together Kiwi and American first responders in a shared moment of remembrance
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Source: Instagram
New Zealand firefighters honoured the victims of the September 11 attacks with a powerful haka performance at Auckland's Sky Tower on 11 September 2026, marking 25 years since the deadliest terrorist attack on American soil.
The ceremony brought together members of the public, New Zealand firefighters, and an FDNY honour guard carrying American flags. U.S. Consul General Melissa Sweeney also attended, standing alongside Kiwi first responders in what became a deeply moving cross-cultural tribute.
The U.S. Embassy New Zealand shared footage of the event on Instagram, capturing the haka formation from behind the American honour guard. The clip showed firefighters performing with intensity and purpose in a city plaza, their movements conveying a weight that transcended language.
A shared spirit of service
In a post accompanying the video, the embassy described the significance of marking the anniversary alongside New Zealand's firefighting community.
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"It was especially meaningful to mark this anniversary alongside Kiwi firefighters, united by the same spirit of service, courage, and sacrifice that we remember from September 11," the embassy wrote.
The post ended with a message that resonated widely:
"We remember those we lost. We honour those who answered the call. We will never forget."
Watch the haka tribute performed at Auckland's Sky Tower here.
The world responds
The video on the Instagram page struck a chord with viewers around the world, many of whom were moved to tears:
@entropus1071 wrote:
"Tremendous respect for Maori culture. Every time I see a haka it moves me."
@calamityjess6 shared:
"As the child of a 9/11 first responder, I can't even express how much this means to me ❤️"
@pinkarrowslingr said:
"The Haka always makes me cry bc it's so much love and respect given. It's like such a high honor and this is amazing. God bless y'all. Today and every day."
@illusionsflights wrote:
"Man, a Haka always gets me. I don't understand a single word while also understanding the whole thing. This one was special."
@princesspattea_hulali added:
"Haka energy brings me to tears every time... this, however, is such a big emotion."
@thevanguardwallpodcast commented:
"Shout out and respect to all the Kiwis who stood shoulder to shoulder with us as we made those responsible feel the pain for those attacks. May we never forget those NZ warriors who shed their blood to help us take the fight to our enemies."
Source: Instagram
More on Mzansi and countries abroad
- Briefly News recently reported on a drone display over New York City that recreated the Twin Towers, with each of the 2,977 drones representing a victim of the attacks.
- Springboks fans packed a Nando's in Baltimore ahead of their clash with the All Blacks, sparking a debate about flying the SA flag on foreign soil.
- A South African couple said an emotional goodbye to the life they built in America over five years, sharing why they've decided to start over in New Zealand.
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Source: Briefly News
