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Hello,
Ok, I've just stumbled upon this forum. May I just say something so that all the non-Maori folks on this site don't think that all Maori are all like Taha Maori.
I have played American Football and it is an awesome game with big plays, massive hits(tackles) and a deep strategic focus. The skills of quarterbacks are phenomental especially when you consider that there are 150kg dudes about 2 meters away wanting to rip your head-off. Its about team work, guts and co-ordination. There is everything to admire about the sport and American culture that keeps it alive through media, marketing and education. It is a very big industry and one of the things that keeps people employed, makes them happy and creates a sense of unity. Very powerful! Basketball is also very similar.
Ki-o-Rahi is by no means similar. No does it relate to American culture. Maori sports were lost and detraditionalised through legislation and corruption, not through conquest. That is historically accurate. Also,75% the the Maori population from 1880-1900 were wiped out by epidemic diseases transmitted by rats and sexual abuse (from wherelse but Europe). Anyway, enough, I'm sorry for dragging on, but Maori can't be criticised for being hopeless.
Taha Maori, whilst your argument is historically accurate and intellectually sound, your assumptions and critique are very tangental. The people on this forum have no idea as to the tragic history of New Zealands colonisation. The reality is that traditional life and beliefs are still seen as uncivilised outsie of NZ, although this is changing slowly.
I'm sure if there was a sport that we could all compete in this would create a greater unity and understanding. Basketball is probably the closest we have and whilst NZ can't compete with the likes of Shaq, Johnson, etc we do pretty well in the global competitions. Perhaps there will be a sport that truely represents our country's warrior sportsmen? Such as Ultimate Fighting, thats a pretty universal but isnt very tactical, well that could be argued.
Anyway, I appreciate the chance to read the many posts and learn from you all. May we continue in the honour of sports and please try and keep the degradation of cultures to a minimum, it really does upset people.
Warmest regards,
Kingi Gilbert
Ngati Whakaue, Ngati maniapoto
NationalParty - go back the hole that you crawled out from, I hope my children never encounter someone with the unjust bigotry and hatred you have towards Maori. We are all trying to make a living in this world and we don't need narrowminded fools like you ruining what very little we have of our identity. I'm sure you create enough trouble for yourself anyway, I wouldn't be surprised if you've been punched in the head recently.
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