Spain captain apologises after haka mocked ahead of WWC

Spain captain Ivana Andres has apologised to the Maori people of New Zealand for a video showing four members of her country's Women's World Cup squad mocking the traditional haka which was shared a week ago on social media.

The video was posted shortly after the team's arrival in New Zealand but was removed when experts of Maori culture and protocol condemned it as disrespectful.

Andres read a statement of apology Monday to elders and members of the local Rangitane O Manawatu iwi (tribe) at a powhiri (greeting) ceremony in the North Island city of Palmerston North, where the Spain squad is based.

She also presented a Spain shirt with the word Papaioea, the Maori name for Palmerston North, to tribal elders.

The Real Madrid centre-back spoke in Spanish during the almost hour-long greeting ceremony. Her words were translated into English.

"We've only been in Aotearoa New Zealand for a few days and we have so much to learn about your culture," Andres said. "Therefore, thank you so much for the kindness to dedicate a few minutes of your wisdom, especially in such [an] important moment as Matariki."