Complaint over tapu breach
PA Auckland Maori periodic detention trainees should not be asked to work in cemeteries because they are “highly tapu” places, says the Auckland District Maori Council. The council heard at its meeting yesterday that trainees had to clean up some cemeteries. The chairman, Dr Rangi Walker, said cemeteries were tapu to Maoris. “If the cemetery doesn’t belong to you, it’s also dangerous” said Dr Walker. There were “alien” or “malevolent” spirits in
cemeteries which did not belong to Maoris. Maoris could clean up only their own cemeteries, not those of different tribes or other people. Dr Walker said the council would write to the Justice Department about the significance of the tapu. A letter with the same message would be sent to the Education Department. Dr Walker said the council had received several, complaints that teachers were taking groups of school children, including Maoris, on tours of cemeteries.
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Press, 17 July 1979, Page 2
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152Complaint over tapu breach Press, 17 July 1979, Page 2
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