Taha Maori

Press, 17 June 1986, Page 16

Taha Maori

Sir, —It was with no small surprise that I read the remarks of the Race Relations Officer for the South Island (June 6). What does Mr Kerslake mean by “Parents had to understand that it would benefit children to learn tahah Maori”? By “had to” does he assert that the European parents were to be compelled in some way? On what grounds does he base his arrogant statement that “it would benefit children”? This is purely his per-

sonal opinion arid should have been shown to be such. The “white flight” showed above anything that some parents feared that their children’s education in basic subjects was being adversely affected by the overemphasis on Maori studies. I can only put his arrogance down to his youthful ignorance of what many people feel about this question.— Yours, etc., G. C. BLISS. June 7, 1986.

[Mr Donald Kerslake, race relations officer, replies: “Understanding cannot be compelled. However, it is vital that parents are aware that the greatest benefit to their children of a knowledge of Taha Maori is that it gives them ‘spiritual roots’ for Aotearoa. White flight indicated an avoidance of contact, which would be a sad outlook in terms of race relations.”]