Ki-o-Rahi game of New Zealand Maori

[Ngeruita]

I think its great that a non-Maori is enlightening the world about our great games because not many Maori here are up to it, why not???

The Yank is not enlightening the world on Maori games, because the yank is not an authority on Maori games. I'm sorry sweetie, but MAORI are - and if you were alert you would know the places to go to, to get an education on Maori culture from authentic sources. This is the first time I've ever heard of a Maori who puts down his own elders and people to support some ignoramus across the sea.

Either sweetie you know so little about Maori games that this little blurb Steiny dishes out impresses you. Or your just some Pakeha trying to push the same ol "White people are authorities over Maori' crap.

"With our sports I agree that young Maori are being used for fodder to please the spectators a la American sports. Why aren't they being encouraged by our own people to take up our games????"

IF you truly are Maori - there are a number of clubs that organise ki-o-Rahi games - why don't you pull your finger out and join in? Email me, the area you live in and I'll direct you to the clubs. Like everything to do with Maori culture - it has been recovery and revivial. Quit whinging - maori games have obviously come after more important fights. But with the number of clubs starting and recovering it won't take long to recover these as well.

"The media are slow to recognise the power and prestige of our taonga, sports are the most powerful influence in our society I believe and such recognition by mainstream media is long overdue, So yes I think there has to be middle ground in our debates, I for one dont want my kids sucking up to the planners of sports who just perpetuate the non-Maori sports and who are grabbing our kids to fill their quotas so they look good."

The media is run predominantly by Pakeha - they're not really pro on most things Maori unless it's something that generates wealth for NZ. Looking towards whites instead of doing it yourself is weak - Maori became predominant in non-Maori sports through their own efforts and fought and won battles of racism and discrimination. You want things to change it comes from us - not beesching an uninterested biased Pakeha media.

"For a 'Yankee-doodle' to even bother with the preserving and popularising of our sports I think is marvellous,Go Steiny!!! when are you going to promote our sports and games Ngeru??? in your dreams???? Why shouldnt our youth be playing games such as manutangata and kiorahi????"

Oh and where is he 'preserving' our sports - Yankee Land?? And that preserves it how? Chances are Stieny is a Mormon and will preserve an aspect of Maori culture as well as they do the origins of Maori - in other words with mixed up with bull**** to propogate an American agenda. I put my faith in the Maori clubs and organisers and the elders who know more about the topic then this self-appointed authority who knows zip about Maori history let alone about Maori sports.

My area for your information "Bjornagain" (???) is the education of Indigenous cultures by those who are the legitimate authorities and owners of that culture. I ran the first online TE REO course between NZ and Oz - what have you done Waha nui?? Except the support of a people who have done very little with Maori culture except propogate stereotypical images and bastardize Ta Moko, our spirituality and lead the way in opposing indigenous rights around the world. Excuse me - but these are not the people to 'educate' the world on Maori culture.

And what sort of Maori are you - spouting this western b.s - that we all should be the same?? You fight the battles that suit your talent and skill.

"Yes the argumenting is totally absorbing but how can we have a consensus that brings our great sports taonga back into the lives of us all again???"

Instead of hanging around American boards -there are a number of Maori elists you can jump onto to get involved. Perhaps if you spent more time with Maori rather than American you might learn more about what's going on under your nose!! If you really are Maori I don't respect those who brown nose white people as if their opinion is worth more than that of your own kind.

Can you say assimilated? Lets see how much you want to know about Maori sports - I'm waiting.