Pakeha Hakas

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30587, 2 November 1964, Page 12

Pakeha Hakas

Sir, —The hakas performed by sports teams are an acknowledgement that Maori traditions are worthy to stand and be perpetuated by pakehas alongside pakeha traditions. Though “PakehaMaori” may not realise it, cultural integration, which is an important prerequisite to social integration, is not a one-way affair. Defensive and possessive attitudes by some Maoris to their culture and the fear it will be exploited do nothing to help this. The haka is now part of a New Zealand culture in which the Maori influence is still too small.—Yours, etc., R. G. LAW. November 1, 1964.

Sir, —“Pakeha-Maori’s” little outburst about the haka performed at the Olympic Games and other sporting events overseas does the Maori people a great disservice. The very basis of integration is the acceptance both ways of cultures and ideas. It would seem that this particular pakeha-Maori believes the Maori should grasp at all that is offered by the pakeha while jealously clutching to himself his own culture and customs. From my own experience the so-called colour bar is not a one-sided affair. The deliberative use by groups of Maoris of the language barrier to discomfort a pakeha is com-: mon and does nothing towards: trust and goodwill.—Yours, ’PAKEHA FOR MAORI. November 1, 1964.