Did
anyone see the segment called "A Maori Challenge"
on TV3's 60 minutes which aired several weeks ago? The programme
first presented, Maori theologian, Jenny TePaa, who questioned
the cultural role of haka, saying it promoted an aggressive
identity for young Maori males (The
Stuff, 19 April 2005). .
Jenny TePaa made these comments on the programme during
a segment on Maori crime which quoted statistics showing
Maori were arrested for 90 per cent of all thefts in Rotorua
in 2003. Dr TePaa, of the College of St John the Evangelist,
said the use of haka gave a frightening impression of young
Maori to non-Maori people. It was a dance of aggression.
In the push for more Maori culture, young Maori males needed
less aggressive ways to express their cultural identity,
she said. She went on to argue that it used to be the poverty
argument that was blamed for Maori violence and crime, but
closer examination of culture was needed.
What really struck me about the programme was its attempt
to both rationally and logically argue that somehow the
current Maori push for cultural revival focused too heavily
on the more aggressive cultural traditions (i.e. the haka
taparahi and haka peruperu) and that this encouraged young
Maori males to be more aggressive and therefore commit more
crimes. The programme used the example of Rotorua, which
it argued was a bastion of culture to highlight the shocking
Maori youth crime statistics. The argument basically went,
if Rotorua is the ideal paradigm of all things cultural,
and yet Maori youth in Rotorua are committing crimes in
record numbers then culture must be failing these young
people. To emphasise this "link" two young Maori
males were interviewed boasting of their criminal exploits.
What the programme actually failed to was logically argue
ANYTHING.
No doubt one can attempt to argue the connection between
crime and culture but what we really need to do is look
at the evidence. To begin Rotorua was used as the pinnacle
of cultural connectedness (this is how it is marketed globally),
however many would argue that the cultural forms of expression
which the mainstream see in Rotorua are geared towards the
tourist dollar (i.e. concert and hangi). Without question,
there are incredible people and organisations who are committed
to positively developing Maori rangatahi in Rotorua - just
as in other regions and rohe around Aotearoa). However,
the argument was that Rotorua was the epitome of cultural
connectedness. Based on this perception, to argue that Rotorua
is somehow more culturally in tune than other towns, regions
or rohe around Aotearoa is false.
The argument that was made was that "obviously"
Maori culture was to blame and it went something like:
Rotorua = essence of Maori culture =
high Maori youth crime statistics.
Therefore: Maori culture = crime and aggression
To highlight this, two young Maori males were interviewed
boasting of their criminal offenses. Yet I didn't see the
connection… Were these boys enveloped and swathed in
their culture, did they know where they came from (whakapapa,
turangawaewae), did they possess and know their language,
did they train and specialise in kapa haka, did they see
themselves as the living face of their ancestors? I sincerely
doubt it; they were presented as being disconnected and
detached with who they were as young Maori males. Their
role models were American musicians/gangstas and not their
tupuna (ancestors).
The argument regarding the idea that "haka encourages
aggression" was disjointed and unsubstantiated. The
programme failed to recognise kapa haka as a whole and generally
played to mainstream stereotypes, which the media loves
to highlight as fierce, angry and aggressive.
Once further argument which the programme presented and
which must be shown to be false is the idea that if "we
solve Maori crime, we will solve crime generally".
This idea is ridiculous. Anytime the police look almost
singularly at one segment of the population, one community,
one people, there are bound to be criminals in the midst.
If non-Maori were scrutinised by the police to the same
degree as Maori are, you would be guaranteed to find just
as much crime and criminals in these communities. No doubt
our jails are disproportionately filled with Maori but this
is more indicative of the inherently bigoted justice system
then it is of an innate cultural inclination towards crime
and aggression.
Ultimately this programme failed to show clear evidence
for any of its conclusions. Instead an array of loosely
connected ideas, false premises, unevidenced propositions
and sensational statistics were thrown into the mix in an
attempt to show that Maori culture led to increased crime
and aggression in young Maori males. However, what angers
me most is that people might have actually believed this
nonsense…
Kia ora koutou. Na Nikolasa
Are you interested in contributing to a Book of Maori Poetry?
If so, please send your name, email, and perhaps a small
poem (if you have one) potaua@tangatawhenua.com
The
Harry Pitman Alcohol and other Drug Presentation Skills
Training Workshop is being held in Wellington from
the 24 to 25 May. Applications must be in no later than
20 May.This workshop gives a step-by-step process for
planning, preparing and presenting information in a
range of different settings. There are only 12 places
available for this free workshop so get in quick! To
register your interest click here
to download an info pack and application form.
From
Nikolasa's Desk: Just a word of caution to mother's
of premature babies, keep in mind that because iron
stores develop in your baby during the last trimester
of your pregnancy if your baby is born prematurely he
or she may not have the enough iron to see them through
to their sixth month (which is the case with most babies).
Meaning that your baby could become anaemic (low in
iron), which can make babies tired, breathless, prone
to illness and have a rapid heartbeat, it can also lead
to more serious complications. Our baby was just diagosed
with iron deficient anaemia (he had a 1/3 of the average
amount!!) and if we had known this before we would have
made very sure that he was getting iron from other sources
(i.e. iron fortified cereals and green leafy vegetables).
We will find out later in the week if all is well so
your thoughts and karakia (prayers) would be most appreciated.
And the debate over whether the drinking age should
be raised to 20, from the current 18 years old, has
emerged again. While many advocates cite the point that
the voting age and military serving age are both 18,
others are loath to describe out-of-control youth drinking,
with children as young as 11 found drunk; under-age
youth drinking has been held responsible for everything
from teen pregnncy to youth suicide to drink-driving
incidents. We here at RANGIKAINGA have strong opinions
on both sides of the argument - what do you think? We'd
like to hear from you - please send your thoughts here
The
world premiere season of 'Maui
- One Man Against The Gods' directed by Tanemahuta
Gray with original music by Gareth
Farr will begin 25 May and run until the June 5
at the Westpac St
James Theatre in Wellington. The show has been described
as "a beautiful blend of legend, stirring kapa
haka, spectacular aerial performance, and sensual
contemporary dance". For tickets contact Ticketek
on 04 384 3840 or book now online.
Trust Waikato
funding applications close on 13 May 2005. If your group
is contributing to the well-being of the Waikato community,
and in need of some funding assistance, give the team
at Trust Waikato a call on 0800 436628 to obtain your
application pack or visit their website
Pao!
Pao! Pao! 2005 will be held at the Wellington Town
Hall on 14 May and joins the New Zealand Music Month
celebrations with a showcase of contemporary Maori dance
and music. For programme details, please contact Toi
Maori Aotearoa, phone 04 801 7914. Door Sales will
be available from 1pm onwards on the day of performance.
.
The
Rotorua Review (4 May) reported that a formal agreement
has been finalised between Destination
Rotorua Tourism Marketing and the Maori in Tourism
Rotorua Association is designed to strengthen the city's
cultural position. Maori in Tourism Rotorua Association
chairwoman Renee Nathan said the main challenge was
for the two organisations to promote the diversity and
depth of Rotorua's cultural experience. "We need
to continue to promote our iconic Maori cultural attractions
like Te Puia and Tamaki, but also need to bring forward
all tourism-based businesses owned or run by Maori and/or
showcasing the cultural heritage of the region,"
she said. This would include contemporary Maori art
and craft, cuisine, indigenous food trails, tours, adventure
businesses, activities and attractions, with an emphasis
placed on helping young businesses build sustainable
operations along with excellent reputations throughout
New Zealand and the world.
We
just wanted to take the time to highlight another innovative
and successful Maori-owned business. Biofarm
Products Limited, a market leader in the production
of pure, natural dairy products. Certified organic since
1986, Biofarm dairy products use only pure organic milk,
which means clean, nutritious food that is free from
additives and full of health benefits. Biofarm Products
Limited became the first company in New Zealand to supply
organic dairy products to mainstream supermarkets. In
1997, Cathy Tait-Jamieson won the Overall Excellence
in Business Award in the Maori Women's Business Awards
and was also a finalist in the Manawatu Business Awards
in 2001.
We're looking to begin an online Directory for Maori
businesses, social services, groups, organisations,
trusts, incorporated societies and marae, so if you're
interested in contributing to this project, please send
an email here
for more information.
And I personally would like to tautoko the Auckland
Stage Coach workers, on strike for 6 days, in an effort
to have their pay increased from $14 an hour to $16
an hour. This money goes on to feed families, pay for
schooling, health care, household bills, etc., with
the job itself carrying huge risks. C'mon Stage Coach.
Give your workers a fair go.
I'm
not quite sure if I was reading this right, but Environment
Bay of Plenty want to re-route the Ohau Channel (my
awa in Mourea, running next to my marae, Te Takinga),
creating a diversion that will push the nutrients from
Lake Rotorua into the Kaituna River, cutting out Lake
Rotoiti, in the anticipated guess that the water quality
in Lake Rotoiti will improve. Am I explaining this correctly?
Here is a website detailing the diversion
but either I don't understand or I understand too well
and may not be happy with what's about to occur. If
anyone can steer me right, please send a message here.
One year ago, many, many thousands of people marched
toward Wellington with a simple message - Maori land
could not be confiscated. We were wrong. With the simple
act of three votes, the Government usurped legal jurisprudence
by nationalising the seabed and foreshore. In another
historic move, Maori were again undermined as indigenous
people, and then asked to respect the decision. The
Foreshores and Seabed Act pre-emptively confiscated
title before any Court could establish Maori ownership
rights. And all we wanted to do was grow some shellfish.
The
Maori Party recently released its policy
on the Foreshores & Seabed on the beautiful
Waiotahi Beach near Opotiki this past week, and I for
one was pleased to see it. I felt that the Foreshores
Act (which inspired tens of thousands to march on parliment)
contravened the Treaty of Waitangi, subverted the legal
process (by denying Maori access to due process), showed
up those Maori MPs who voted in favour of the Act (much
to the anguish of their electorates), proceeded with
inadaquate Maori and public discussion and was so bad
that it even raised a negative mention in a United Nations
Report. The more important point I thought was that
while everyone wanted to claim the foreshore, how many
wanted to clean it? Well, time will tell but for now,
here is the abridged Maori Party Policy on the Foreshores
& Seabed (To view the whole policy, go here)
The
Maori Party is committed to the following key elements
of a foreshore and seabed policy for Aotearoa:
1. The
Maori Party will repeal the Foreshore and Seabed Act,
following a process of meaningful consultation and dialogue
with all New Zealanders.
2. The
Maori Party will ensure that the nation continues to
enjoy access, based on respect and care for those areas.
3. The
Maori Party will do its utmost to restore the credibility
and integrity of our country in the international environment.
4. The
Maori Party will draft new legislation which protects
access and other collective property rights which are
inalienable. The new legislation will: not be discriminatory,
not deny due process, recognise Maori rangatiratanga
over their taonga, and provide for Maori to engage with
all other citizens in the expression of kaupapa Maori.
A
final reminder that on-line Ma
Te Reo applications close nationwide on 13 May 2005.
Applications are geared towards funding support for
projects that contribute to community-based Maori language
regeneration. Contact Kelly
Harding by phone 0800 628 373 or (04) 471 6733 or
by fax: (04) 471 2768.
For those enrolled at Waikato University (or even whanau
interested in what support systems exist at University)
the Te Puna Tautoko
website is an awesome way to stay up to date with all
the happenings for Maori on Campus. It has panui on
it regarding events, photos and stories reporting on
past events and it also has links to all the Maori support
services on campus. Check out the Te
Aka Matua page too it has photos of our different
hui and an events calendar too.
An
interesting article on IQ was published recently, by
an Otago University Emeritus Professor pre-emptively
disputing a US claim that IQ is 50% heriditary, saying
that instead, environmental factors configure to a larger
degree. He goes on to state that "Maori scored
lower on average in IQ tests (as) this was probably
owing to socio-economic differences". Is he right?
What do you think? Let me know by sending your thoughts
here.
Kaiwhakaatu
is a bi-monthly newsletter for Iwi and Maori groups
from the Ministry of Education. It's an excellent read,
and the website has a back-catalogue of previous editions
- good for educationalists, teachers or policy analysts.
Good luck to the whanau at Te Wananga o Aotearoa. Please
remember that you have made a valuable contribution
to many of our communities by providing inspired leadership
and valuable educational opportunities. Do not give
up. Matauranga Maori is now, more than ever, needed
in this World, and you remain a beacon of hope in this
increasing time of ignorance.
After
significant debate it has been decided that it "will
be a hip-hop Maori New Year in June as two popular New
Zealand acts headfor Whangarei. Nesian Mystic and Che
Fu are among the line-up at a concert for the finale
of this year's Matariki celebrations. Matariki -- or
Maori New Year -- is named after the constellation Pleiades,
which appears
every June marking the start of the traditional Maori
calendar. The Whangarei District Council agreed to put
$15,000 toward the June 18 festival, despite some councillors
never having heard of Nesian Mystic or Che Fu - imagine
that!" (Northern Advocate, 2005). To read more
on the story click here.
One
of the livest channels out there is right here - C4.
Now, I would ususally tune in only for my man Xzibits
show 'Pimp
my Ride' but came back for more when I caught DJ
Sir-Vere and his Boost Mobile Holla Hour. Damm.
I mean, those tunes is phaaaat. His record and music
video collection must be staggering. Ok, if it's music
and music culture you're into, check out C4. Chua Choo.
Remember this week is Youth
Week. So check out this great site to find out what
Youth Week is all about, to see what is going on and
how to get involved.
And
remember everyone - celebrate New
Zealand Music Month by tuning into your local radio
station (who hopefully will play a New Zealand track
the second you tune in), buying a Kiwi artist cd/tape/record/concert
ticket or making music yourself. Before the money is
the music, so keep supporting local artists who provide
lifes beats and if the moment so inspires you, write
a song yourself.
Maori
Television is featuring a new sports show called CODE
which started 5 May and runs each Thursday at 8.30pm.
The show has recruited two Waikato sports internationals.
Former Kiwi Tawera Nikau and ex-Silver Fern Jenny-May
Coffin co-host Code along with former New Zealand women's
No 1 tennis player Rewa Hudson.
The Waikato Times reported that "Nikau and Coffin
said while there was an emphasis on fun and the show
had a relaxed format, it was a serious sports programme
that covered a range of issues and spoke to some of
New Zealand's top Maori sportspeople within a Maori
context."
And for all you whanau looking forward to the upcoming
British &
Irish Lions Rugby Tour, here is a page about their
game in Rotorua
against the Mighty Bay of Plenty on the 4th of June.
A combined Kapa Haka welcome will be afforded our sporting
guests, and I'm sure, a massive tour opener will be
seen. Go the Bay. Remember, the game against the New
Zealand Maori Team will be here in Hamilton on the 11th
of June
And
has anyone seen this page or heard this story before?
It's about a professional American cyclist who has had
a facial
moko put on, but is removing it due to sponsor demands.
Very intriguing and somewhat disturbing...
Your
privacy is incredibly important to us, so if you
have received this panui/newsletter in error or
if you do not wish to receive any further correspondence
from us, please accept our humblest apologies
and click here
to unsubscribe or email panui@tangatawhenua.com
to be taken off our email list immediately. Kia
ora.
Did
anyone see the segment called "A Maori Challenge"
on TV3's 60 minutes which aired several weeks ago? The programme
first presented, Maori theologian, Jenny TePaa, who questioned
the cultural role of haka, saying it promoted an aggressive
identity for young Maori males (
From
Nikolasa's Desk: Just a word of caution to mother's
of premature babies, keep in mind that because iron
stores develop in your baby during the last trimester
of your pregnancy if your baby is born prematurely he
or she may not have the enough iron to see them through
to their sixth month (which is the case with most babies).
Meaning that your baby could become anaemic (low in
iron), which can make babies tired, breathless, prone
to illness and have a rapid heartbeat, it can also lead
to more serious complications. Our baby was just diagosed
with iron deficient anaemia (he had a 1/3 of the average
amount!!) and if we had known this before we would have
made very sure that he was getting iron from other sources
(i.e. iron fortified cereals and green leafy vegetables).
We will find out later in the week if all is well so
your thoughts and karakia (prayers) would be most appreciated.
An
interesting article on IQ was published recently, by
an Otago University Emeritus Professor pre-emptively
disputing a US claim that IQ is 50% heriditary, saying
that instead, environmental factors configure to a larger
degree. He goes on to state that "Maori scored
lower on average in IQ tests (as) this was probably
owing to socio-economic differences". Is he right?
What do you think? Let me know by sending your thoughts
Kaiwhakaatu
After
significant debate it has been decided that it "will
be a hip-hop Maori New Year in June as two popular New
Zealand acts headfor Whangarei. Nesian Mystic and Che
Fu are among the line-up at a concert for the finale
of this year's Matariki celebrations. Matariki -- or
Maori New Year -- is named after the constellation Pleiades,
which 
appears
every June marking the start of the traditional Maori
calendar. The Whangarei District Council agreed to put
$15,000 toward the June 18 festival, despite some councillors
never having heard of Nesian Mystic or Che Fu - imagine
that!" (Northern Advocate, 2005). To read more
on the story click 
