1321152
1321152

Māori

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

1981-07-25 en 21m
DocumentaryHistory
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.

Camera Operator

Kell Fowler

Sound

David Keene

Assistant Camera

Ivars Berzins

Creator

Witi Ihimaera

Producer

Derek Wright

Writer

Mel Taylor

new zealand polynesian first nations māori air new zealand kai moana

Status

Released

Countries

  • New Zealand

Companies

  • The National Film Unit
  • New Zealand National Film Unit