Māori

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

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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.

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Status
Released
Budget
—
Box office
—
Language
English
  • new zealand
  • maori
  • polynesian
  • first nations
  • air new zealand
  • kai moana

Behind the camera

Writers

Mel Taylor

Produced in

New Zealand

Videos

No extra videos are listed for this title yet.

Release dates

  • New ZealandNZ

    • TVG25 Jul 1981

Frequently asked questions

Māori was released on 25 July 1981.

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