N.Z. culture

Press, 9 October 1987, Page 12

N.Z. culture

Sir,—The university lecturer in bicultural studies who says (October 6) that New Zealanders must cut their ties with Britain to appreciate their own culture has a blatant cheek. I am of Highland Scots, Welsh (and a bit of Irish) descent and, i naturally, I am attracted to the music and culture of the Gaelic people. I also have relations in the counties of Western England. I appreciate Polynesian customs, but do not want them thrust upon me. Having been to the Cook Islands in the early sixties, I also appreciate the dances and customs of these people. Let various ethnic groups do their thing, taking care that no offence is caused to those who are not of the same persuasion.—Yours, etc., E. L. ROSS. October 6, 1987. Sir,—One gets very tired of chauvinistic Kiwis vaunting New Zealand culture as best in world; no need to know anything of the outside world. True education means a broad outlook, tolerance and knowledge of world cultures. On October 6 you quote Ms Parker-Tunoa as saying we must cut ties with Britain to appreciate New Zealand culture. I claim that unless all New Zealanders, especially Maoris, are fully . aware of Britain and other countries, we have only chauvinistic blindness. I have read Ihimaera and Hulme, and cannot see they repay rereading a dozen or so times as, say, '‘Madame Bovary,” “Tom Jones,” Shakespeare’s plays, etc., do, with so much subtlety. Poor translations do ruin operas, Homer and other great writers, but they have far greater international respect than what she proposes. — Yours, etc., 1 B. G. ANDERSON. October 7,1987. ,