Letters

Tu Tangata, Issue 26, 1 October 1985, Page 54

Letters

Nga tuhituhi

Te ringawera

Proud Ngapuhi speaks out over history Carving Book by Dave Simmons.

Dear Sir,

A grandchild of Te Taitokerau Henare Mahanga is angered at the author, Dave Simmons, regarding the so-called stories he publishes as part of his new book based on tribal carving.

In his own words published by the Auckland Star (Saturday July 13, 1985) by Brian Rudman Quote....

“In Whakairo, Simmons tells how by 1830 the Northern Ngapuhi tribe, armed with muskets, had abandoned carvings, heading off to steal the treasures of other tribes.

They had always stolen mana. Those carvings they took represented the mana of the tribe.

There were two things you stole to get mana. Women and treasures. You stole treasures because that meant you possessed the mana of that tribe, therefore, they didn’t have any mana left.

They stole the women because that gave you the ariki line of descent, the bloodline.

And what happened to the poor old carver in the North, surrounded by all this loot. Did he go into decline? Yes... the work was just not done, so you found some of the carvers to emulate what was brought from outside.”

I consider this article as an insult to my people of Taitokerau and what right has this author to print information which is totally incorrect and from whom did he get this information and authority from.

Dave Simmons writes his book almost to the extent of implying that our Tupuna Rahiri had no mana and his mokopuna (grandchildren) stole it, to attain the mana. I can honestly say as a proud Ngapuhi that every Maori Tupuna in this country had mana of their own, and this was handed down, generation after generation, within his or her family tree to this very day.

Sir James Henare of Taitokerau brought this article to my attention, which I also found insulting on the part of Maori carving. The style of Taitokerau carving has always been traditional to its own area prior to the arrival of the first white man, whom I believe Dave Simmons is also a grandchild of. Northern style carving stands out by the facial area and the continuous curved figure and not from stealing it from other tribes.

I have written this article to balance Dave Simmons’ views and hopefully that the people will understand that his study, etc, is incorrect on the Ngapuhi tribe and I hope he will learn to carve

with his hands using chisels and spend less time giving theoretical and written comments on the history and way of life of my people, especially without the respect of consulting our Elders.

In closing, I wish to ask Dave Simmons where did he attain his Maoritanga?

Which Maori tribe was he born into? Was he born into Maori language? Can Dave Simmons carve Maori Tupuna? What authority does he have to speak on our Maori Tupuna?

I will agree that he has got his European degrees presented to him in the Western World for his knowledge on things of the European standard etc. but I believe these people need to come down to earth on the level of our Maori people to meet us on our turangawaewae grounds to get a better understanding of the very true life we lived in yesterday, today and the future.

In closing I would like to know which kaumatua (elder) or rangatira gave Dave Simmons the authority to use the Te Rarawa Te Aupouri carved lintel on the cover of his book. Kia ora ano. Henare Mahanga Graduate of the New Zealand Maori Carving School From Ngapuhi, Ngati Hine, Ngati Korora and Ngati Wai.

Dear Sir,

As you may be aware “Te Reo Maori Radio Association” has now been operating for some 12 months with a weekly Vi hour Maori broadcast, when Te Reo Maori started it changed alot of people’s lives and timetables, to these people’s all for the best! Te Reo Maori is slowly progressing as your magazine Tu Tangata has helped immensely as any news from it is greatly appreciated. Our Radio Producer Prine White has alot to do with the early Tuesday morning’s announcing, and we are proud and lucky to have him, with the help of Gloria Barnes as community news announcer, they will soon have finished a Radio Programming and Announcing course to help them run things smoothly. We have just had a Maori music extravaganza celebrating one year of broadcasting and will soon be participating in a radiothon, our segment being totally in Maori.

As we are a single Association and have little to do with other South Australian Maori Associations I have taken the liberty of writing to them stating that you are interested in starting a special section for and about Maori's in Australia and hope they answer your requests.

Wikitoria Pountney

Secretary for Te Reo Maori

Dear Editor,

To Liz Stretch who criticised space in Tu Tangata devoted to the Kanak independence movement and Maoris in Sydney, I say her ideas of what interests subscribers are beyond my humble comprehension.

Surely anyone, pakeha or Maori can see the significance and links of Kanak (or Aborigine or American Indian) landrights and Maori land issues. How Maoris are reacting, thinking and achieving in Australia is just as important as what they’re on about in NZ.

There are more Maoris in Sydney than in Christchurch.

To me the June/July issue of Tu Tangata was the most rounded and well presented Tu Tangata issue. But maybe like Stretch I have not closely read all previous 23 issues. The front cover, depicting a Kanak warrior perhaps martyred for his cause of land rights may hit the hearts of some Tu Tangata readers.

We should recognise that the South Pacific region is ours to embrace and prosper in partnership. I for one, would like to see more space in Tu Tangata centred on the Pacific Island people who have eternal linkages to NZ and the Aotearoa Maori historically and culturally.

Michael Romanos

Kia ora Philip,

I find it sometimes annoying to read certain articles and letters in the Tu Tangata magazine. Ones that mention that the Maori people should progress and adapt to a more european life style. Ehoa, although these particular writings are few and far between, they tend to rip at the heart.

I must congratulate those who try to find their bones and learn their Maoritanga.

I am afraid my view point comes from a different angle. Most of it is based on some interpretations taken from the Bible. I feel that like many others, we who are Maori should remember our inheritance, but who said it is the ultimate life style, and who said it is todays progress that is the right life to live.

I agree that we should teach our young who our people were and their traditions and customs. I feel also that most important, our ancestors had a way with the land, invaluable information.

Yes it is good that the young go back to the marae, to learn our taha Maori. But I feel the important thing is to teach the young to survive off the land. How to grow the kumara and the fruits of the soil. For with just that and the aroha in our hearts is it not all we need to survive the barrage of progressing com-

puters and modern technology which eventually will end the material world and again, which is not really the world the Maori can adapt to or belong to.

It is a proven fact time and time again, that the human kind can survive on a vegeterian diet. I know it does not sound too appetising for it did not to me. I sure liked my pork and puha. But given time I became satisfied with just the puha and the fruits of the soil and it’s very rewarding. After the body becomes clean on the inside the outside becomes clean to. Skin problems and sores heal faster, the mind becomes clearer and in general you feel more active. No more heart conditions either.

Ehoa, not only do certain people poison our minds, our air, our water, they poison our kai, then tell us it is right.

Money is of material essence, part of today’s world. Yes we do need a certain amount of it to keep going in this material land. But the Maori never needed it in the old days, so why do we need it today to teach us what is in our hearts. I feel that what is to be learnt, is how we are going to survive. When we need the very basics of life, who better to teach us but our older people, who used the sun, moon, soil, and the rain as fertilisers for their kai. I can remember when I was young the older members of my family saying, ”E tama, don’t worry as long as the kai-cupboard is full, you'll be right.” Were they lying? No. Maybe they did not see or could not see the world as it is today. Crazy? Maybe.

Now just a few words for our european brothers who may find time to read this. I am sorry if I sound racial, but I find it easier to use the Maori people and their easier life to express my point more clearly to all. It is not necessarily to say that all european are poisoning all.

I do understand that we are all here as brothers and sisters and all to find our own paths to the ultimate life style here and after.

I am 28 years old and Maori and would really appreciate any opinions on my point of view. Whether it be through the Tu Tangata magazine or by personal letter.

I thank you all with my heart in advance for your replies and concern.

Kia kaha.

Steve Panana

Dear Sir,

I would like to submit an article for the next issue of Tu Tangata.

My uncle and aunty Mahuri and Rora Paki of Oparure Te Kuiti have been married 50 years this month and thev celebrated their Golden Anniver-

sary at Oparure on the 23rd March. Their marriage was match-made by the elders of their families and their decisions were honoured. To me, their successful 50 years proves the wisdom of the advice of our ancestors and shows the respect the younger generation had for them. I would like to submit this poem for them in good faith and with all my love. Thanking you, Molly Wana Whakatane

Golden Wedding Paki Hynes 6-3-35

The years gone by have been filled with kisses Since Mahuri was told Rora was to be his missus A match made marriage a thing of the past Rora decided this is not gonna last I’ll give him a son and see how it goes If he doesn’t measure up he’s out on his nose; A little girl later out she did pop And oops went Rora I can’t seem to stop! Now 50 years later he still bothers her some He’s such a comedian but the works getting done

Together they’re lasted my uncle and aunt They’ve even outlasted their favourite plant The children are blooming, the cows are content My aunt is still smiling My uncle looks spent But match-made marriages a thing of the past Has proven to us how strong they can last From the old peoples wisdom Take their loving advice And try it out first it just might be nice. Congratulations uncle Mahuri and aunty Rora. Arohanui your loving niece, Molly

Dear Editor, Could you please mention in your notices section of your journal that the CORSO resource centre has expanded its range of books and magazines on Aotearoa; Trade Unions, Pacific; Latin America; Asia; Women in Development; Anti-nuclear; Third World and Development: and Social Change. The Resource Centre is just down from Karangahape Road, in Pitt Street, opposite the Farmers' Bus Stop and is open 9-5 weekdays. 8-8.30 Thursday.

Regards, Bruce Cronin

Dear Mr Whaanga, We have received the current issue of June-July of your magazine where you made a reporting on Thio. Your help is very appreciated in a certain extent where it makes know other people about the situation in Kanaky and especially the struggle of the Kanak People for its independence.

Sincerely,

Mr Hnalaine Uregei Editor in Chief of Bwenando Noumea New-Caledonia

Editors reply The June/July issue of Tu Tangata with its front cover and feature on Kanaky has drawn much comment. As well as the previous letter from Mr Hnalaine Uregei Tu Tangata attracted the attention of the leader of the FLNKS when he was in New Zealand recently at the invitation of the Government. And while we are patting our backs mention must be made of a phone call from Melbourne congratulating us on a fine Aug/Sep issue of Tu Tangata. Alan Kani, the president of the Polynesian Community Federation of Victoria/Te Rangatahi Inc said it was great for Maori people overseas to be recognised in the media, just as it was essential to keep in touch with home. ED