Maoris are better integrated into NZ-society than Aboriginals in Australia. Here’s why.
Indigenous people have it tough across the world. Why are Maoris fairing “less badly” than Aboriginals?
Whilst in Wellington for work some time ago, I was walking down the main street of the business district and came across a man busking on the footpath.
He didn’t receive a second glance from any other passerby. What struck me, however, was that he had a large tattoo, covering his entire face.
He was a Maori, and this was his country.
Looking around, I noticed that every government office had signage not only in English but also Maori.
In fact, over the few preceding days, I noticed a great many things: newsreaders began their shows with “Kia Ora”, instead of Good Evening, there were Maori TV channels and language lessons, the Hakka was performed by the National Rugby League team to large crowd filled stadiums, a Maori party prominently featured in national politics, Maori issues often discussed in the news, and Maori words — be they names of places, people, or things — were enunciated with care, by white and brown alike.
These are all little things on their own, but when considered together, I couldn’t…
