Less than two months after its release, the online slot game MAORI has been pull by Czech-based developers Endorphina after protests that it breached Maori intellectual property.

Upon its release, Endorphina described the game as "celebrating the traditional inhabitants" of New Zealand, but instead ended up apologizing to public health agency Hapai Te Hauora, which complained about it last month.

Endorphina director Erlene May Rodriguez provided specific apologies to Ngati Toa Rangatira for use of the Ka Mate haka, and to Ngai Tahu for use of the pounamu.

"It wasn't our intention to insult or be offensive to you or any of Maoris or to New Zealanders," Rodriguez wrote. "Also it wasn't our intention to gain some additional benefits from use of Maori cultural icons."
Here's a link to the story from the Otago Daily Times in New Zealand: https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/...after-protests