Māori (1981)

The hongi is a greeting of affection: aroma. 'Aroha': love or compassion, is the vine that binds the tribe.

This 1981 NFU film is a tour of the contemporary world of Aotearoa’s tangata whenua. It won headlines over claims that its portrayal of Māori had been sanitised for overseas viewers. Debate and a recut ensued. Writer Witi Ihimaera felt that mentions of contentious issues (Bastion Point, the land march) in his original script were ignored or elided in the final film, and withdrew from the project. He later told journalists that the controversy showed that educated members of minority groups were no longer prepared to let the majority interpret the minority view.

Director: Arthur Everard
Genre: Documentary, History
Runtime: 21 min
Release Date:

Screenplay

Editing: Ross A. Chambers
Production: The National Film Unit, New Zealand National Film Unit
Country: New Zealand
Language: English, Maori
Original Language: en

Keywords

new zealand, maori, polynesian, first nations, air new zealand, kai moana

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Māori about?
This 1981 NFU film is a tour of the contemporary world of Aotearoa’s tangata whenua. It won headlines over claims that its portrayal of Māori had been sanitised for overseas viewers. Debate and a recut ensued. Writer Witi Ihimaera felt that mentions of contentious issues (Bastion Point, the land march) in his original script were ignored or elided in the final film, and withdrew from the project. He later told journalists that the controversy showed that educated members of minority groups were no longer prepared to let the majority interpret the minority view.
Who directed Māori?
Māori was directed by Arthur Everard.
How long is Māori?
Māori has a runtime of 21m (21 minutes).
What genre is Māori?
Māori is a Documentary, History film.
Where was Māori produced?
Māori was produced in New Zealand.