The Maori Of New Zealand

The Maori of New Zealand

The Maori people, the natives of New Zealand, have played a strong part in the development and success of the small island nation. Their ferocity and determination won the respect of the colonizing English, and to this day they are esteemed members of the society. They hold positions in their government and are in control of their own destinies. Their greetings and posture when having their picture taken for the outside world is a part of culture that I would like to discuss.

Years ago, back in the days of rampant imperialism, the English navy found the part of the world that today is referred to as "down under". They originally came first to Australia, but it was only a matter of time before New

Zealand, Australia's tiny neighbor, was discovered also. The mighty English, who at the time was one of the world powers, subjugated the natives of Australia, the Aborigine people. The Aborigine, having very little technology, were easily subdued and the land became an English colony, used at first for its natural resources but also as a exile or prison colony. The lack of resistance from the natives made it relatively easy for the English to accomplish their task. This gave the Aborigine absolutely no respect from the English, and almost to this day are they treated as inferiors, by the English. This was not the case with the neighboring Maori's.

As stated before, the English eventually found their way to the south, where the beautiful island lay untouched by foreign hands. They also found that the island had a native populace just as Australia had had. But one thing was very different from these natives. The English, thinking that this island was also theirs for the taking, met heavy resistance from the Maori. Many an English life was lost at the hands of these fiercesome warriors, and even though they were outclassed technologically, still did the Maori fight on. Their persistance and desire to defend their land from the invading outsiders won them the respect and admiration of the English. Presently, they hold positions of power in the

New Zealand parliament and are regarded as equals in society.

When a Maori takes a picture for the outside world, e.g. for a post card or tourist, their ferocity and determination are shown in their stance and posture. They strike a fighting pose, with one arm raised above their heads in an attack position and the other in front of them, ready to defend their midsection. The best aspect is their facial expressions.