Book N.Z.’s ‘Satanic Verses’—author

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 9

Book N.Z.’s ‘Satanic Verses’ —author

By

TOM METCALFE

A blurb for Dun Mihaka’s latest book says it will be received by some New Zealanders in the same way Salman Rushdie’s “Satanic Verses” was received in Iran — and Mihaka says threats to his safety have been made already, before the book has been officially launched. The book, “Ki te whei-ao, Ki te aomarama,” has offended some Maori people because it suggests Maori spiritual values

should be revised because they stand in the way of fresh political thought and action by Maoris, Mihaka said yesterday. In particular, he "dared to highlight the conflicts and contradictions in that most sacred of Maori institutions, the tangihanga.” The tangihanga, or funeral, was an example of where Maori people had to revise their priorities, he said.

"In Maoridom, when a person dies, the fact that he is a Maori is enough to mobilise everybody for his funeral.”

It did not matter who the person was, he said.

“I say, the time that people need assistance and help is when they’re young and alive, not when they’re dead.” It seemed that the resources available at a tangihanga were not available to the living, he said.

Mihaka was in Christchurch this week accompanying his wife, the sculptor, Diane Price, whose work is being exhibited at the Arts Centre Arts Annex.