A great read. You mention the New Zealand national anthem and haka here and talk about the pride associated. Like you suspect it's about more than the All Blacks in terms of the pride felt. I don't know if you've experienced a powhiri in New Zealand but it's become a normal part of society and one where the tikanga (protocols) are valued and respected. This along with the anthem are the two most significant captures of what it means to be a kiwi to me. It hasn't al l been smooth sailing though. At the 99 World Cup our anthem was sung solely in te Reo sparking an outcry of anger. Had that not happened though I doubt we'd have got to where we are today where hearing the anthem only in English loses all its value.
Great with the Aussie anthem and a stepnin the right direction. With attitudes line this and people valuing it like you have done here the journey will gain momentum. Kia kaha.
G'day Howard! Thanks for your message and no I don't think I've experienced a powhiri but I always enjoyed facing the haka and watching other the maori traditions.
I'm not sure how to word this, but I think the English migrant part of our culture needs more traditions (other than the Melbourne Cup) or should embrace our 1st nations people's culture more. Outside of cricket and other sports, we've abandoned many English traditions in search of our own unique culture.
Love Anzac Day here in Aus, but it's only been going for 105 years, and we need more events that represent what it means to be Australian.
Kia ora, Ben
A great read. You mention the New Zealand national anthem and haka here and talk about the pride associated. Like you suspect it's about more than the All Blacks in terms of the pride felt. I don't know if you've experienced a powhiri in New Zealand but it's become a normal part of society and one where the tikanga (protocols) are valued and respected. This along with the anthem are the two most significant captures of what it means to be a kiwi to me. It hasn't al l been smooth sailing though. At the 99 World Cup our anthem was sung solely in te Reo sparking an outcry of anger. Had that not happened though I doubt we'd have got to where we are today where hearing the anthem only in English loses all its value.
Great with the Aussie anthem and a stepnin the right direction. With attitudes line this and people valuing it like you have done here the journey will gain momentum. Kia kaha.
G'day Howard! Thanks for your message and no I don't think I've experienced a powhiri but I always enjoyed facing the haka and watching other the maori traditions.
I'm not sure how to word this, but I think the English migrant part of our culture needs more traditions (other than the Melbourne Cup) or should embrace our 1st nations people's culture more. Outside of cricket and other sports, we've abandoned many English traditions in search of our own unique culture.
Love Anzac Day here in Aus, but it's only been going for 105 years, and we need more events that represent what it means to be Australian.