Book found to ‘insult’ Maoris

Press, 24 May 1989, Page 2

Book found to ‘insult’ Maoris

PA Auckland The Race Relations conciliator, Mr Wally Hirsh, has found that a book which claims “Maori culture was and is completely immoral” is in breach of the Race Relations Act.

The book, “The New Maori Myth/’ was written by the principal of Tyndall Park Christian School, Mr Michael Drake, and published by Wycliffe Christian Schools.

Mr Hirsh said highly selective use of reference material in the book created incorrect, untrue and misleading information which was abusive, insulting and likely to bring Maori people into contempt and ridicule. Complaints were received under section 9a of the act from the Auckland Anglican Bicultural Committee, the Workers’ Educational Association, Project Waitangi and several individuals.

The Anglican group has asked for an apology from Mr Drake and withdrawal of the book. Mr Drake said that was not acceptable, and he had lost faith in the Race Relations Conciliator.

Passages complained of include references to the teaching of taha Maori in schools, gangs and ancient culture and religion. Mr John Payne, of the Anglican Bicultural Comittee, said the book’ was a highly judgmental putdown of modern Maori people from a position of extreme pakeha prejudice. He said the book used the gospel to baptise the author’s own bigotry.

Mr Drake said the book was a positive contribution to race relations. “I believe there will be no racial harmony until all people are able to be united under God,” he said.

He rejected Maori values because they were ungodly.