The beauty of music is definitely celebrated here whether its sung in Maori or Chinese. The world is lucky to taste and sample the professional blending of two distinct cultures one more ancient than the Chinese culture (Austronesian) and one dominated by the Anglo Saxons. In Aotearoa the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by Maori chiefs and Queen Victoria's representative in 1840, this treaty allowed these cultures to come together in peace today the mana or prestige of this treaty continues to protect the parties to this agreement. Sure they have land rights problems that need to be sorted they are doing their best to achieve this ultimately they seek peace and harmony. Kia Ora
What a great display of taking Maori culture to the world. And then for them to go on and win the contest as well... Very proud of them. They showed that they embrace many aspects of New Zealand's culture, not just Maori or European. The way it should be.
For a little country, with a population the size of Sydney, less than half the size of London and a quarter the size of New York, New Zealand never does things half-hearted. Singing is a very important part of NZ culture. This truly beautiful. A was married to a Kiwi and my kids are all half Kiwi. NZ provides a masterclass on racial harmony and respect for their Maori culture. Winning this is a very big deal when you consider who they were up against.
What is Maa Ori? I guess you mean Maaori. or Māori. This is an artistic performance, not a formal ceremony with a tradition to uphold. The more Māori culture, and language, is shown to the public; the more it is heard in a variety of situations and from a variety of people; the more it is allowed to be part of all aspects of life, not just formal occasions; the more likely it is to survive in the future, and not be lost. The attitude of dont do it unless you do the whole thing makes it intimidating to learn. Think about Māori language week this year, it was all about making the language relevant and accessible. That is what needs to happen, not it must be right, or not done at all.
Maori is a word used by colonists to describe the indigenous people of Aotearoa. These people through the generations have been so programmed, they themselves use this word to identify themselves, too lazy and ignorance to assert their mana, all except Tuhoe. Colonist being flippant because they had one agenda, divide and conquer. Maa meaning clean, pure, clear, Ori meaning agitate, sweep, sway, wave to and fro. This performance is the beginning of a planned event including karanga. Don't dilute the protocol with disrespect to kuia and tupuna by females wearing pants, even a blanket is more respectful and historic.
That is definitely your narrow opinion. When you have broaden your knowledge and gained some wisdom, then you will understand. Listen to the people, including constructive criticism, and that is how you will grow. Funny that 'Maori week', like that is all you will get, pitiful patronising. I te mohio koe te korero me nga tikanga, me mahi atu.
I thought that Maori means "Normal" in indigenous language. They called themselves this way to distinguish from Europeans. Maybe I'm wrong but this is what I've believed so far :D
