Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Ideas

This segment of Sunday Morning with Maggie Barry explores the way in which "Brand Maori" has been developed.

Brand Māori (50′36″)

The use of brands in marketing originated in the nineteenth century with the advent of packaged goods. Over time, names, logos and slogans of products came to represent explicit ideas, values and associations. Brands became symbolic embodiments of products, places, and a way of life and are increasingly becoming an important component of culture and national identity. But to successfully brand a packet of cornflakes is one thing. To establish and protect the brand of an entire culture is quite another.

The last few years have seen an increasing encroachment upon Maori culture by international companies. Italian car company Fiat screened an ad featuring women performing the “Ka mate” haka a year ago despite receiving advice from New Zealand diplomats that Maori would find the ad offensive. Toymaker Lego agreed to stop using Maori words in future versions of a new game that borrowed heavily from a number of different cultures, and agreed to set out a code of conduct for the use of traditional knowledge in the manufacture of toys. Not quite so gracious was tobacco company Phillip Morris, who withdrew their “Maori Mix” cigarettes from sale in 2005, still protesting that the cigarettes were intended to communicate “open-minded acceptance of cultural diversity”.

Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but asking nicely first and paying for what you use is surely only polite. There’s clearly big money in using ideas around authenticity, integrity and uniqueness, and if the Maori brand can make money for non-Maori, it can surely also do so for the people whose culture it represents.

Treaty of Waitangi: Four Perspectives

Four programmes about the Treaty of Waitangi broadcast during the 1990 sesquicentenary year.

1. The Quid Pro Quo, by Hugh Kawharu (25′27″)

Sir Hugh Kawharu, Professor of Māori Studies at the University of Auckland and former member of the Waitangi Tribunal, discusses questions of sovereignty associated with the Treaty.

2. Role of the Tribunal, by Keith Sorrenson (18′15″)

Professor Keith Sorrenson, Professor of History at the University of Auckland, discusses the role of the Waitangi Tribunal, of which he's a member.

3. The Treaty as a force of protest, by Ranginui Walker (17′55″)

Dr Ranginui Walker, Associate Professor of Māori Studies at the University of Auckland, explores the way in which the Treaty has been a focus for Māori protest.

4. The Crown and Tangata Whenua, by David Williams (22′21″)

Rev Dr David Williams from the Law Department at the University of Auckland looks at the Crown and the tangata whenua.

(Sound Archives TAL 5801)

The Treaty debates 2005 (Series of 3)

In February 2005, National Radio broadcast a series of three debates on the place of the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand society and history. Chaired by Dr Claudia Orange, director of history and Pacific cultures at Te Papa Tongarewa, The Museum of New Zealand.

Lecture 1 (49′18″)

The series begins with a view from inside the Waitangi Tribunal. Current chair Judge Joe Williams and former chair Wira Gardiner consider the unsettled history of the Tribunal and the process of Treaty Settlements.

(Replay Radio NRP 700.1)

Lecture 2 (53′33″)

The second debate focuses on the Foreshore and Seabed Act, with lawyer Tim Castle, and Tahu Potiki of Ngāi Tahu, analysing the key points of the Act and the changes it has introduced.

(Replay RadioNRP 700.2)

Lecture 3 (53′56″)

The final debate is about constitutional reform, with guests Professor Matthew Palmer of Victoria University of Wellington, and Judge Carrie Wainwright of the Waitangi Tribunal. Judge Wainwright explores in some detail the idea of Treaty principles.

(Replay Radio NRP 700.3)

Puke Ariki Forum (42′32″)

Excerpts from a forum (recorded the day before at the Puke Ariki heritage and community centre, New Plymouth) exploring the relationship between the Treaty of Waitangi and community development.

The speakers include Jocelyn Millard, Sir Paul Reeves, Bishop Philip Richardson, Fiona Clark, Nandita Marthur and Dr Love Chile.

Programme broadcast 6 February 2004

(Sound Archives NRP 659)

Insight 1988 - Treaty Hui (29′22″)

"Who said the Pākehā way is the only way to go?" - a song lyric by the group Tauira that could sum up what Treaty partnership means for Māori and Pākehā. This Insight, produced by Philip Whaanga considers the development of attitudes we have to the Treaty of Waitangi. It highlights Pākehā perceptions that emerged at a recent planning council hui, recorded by Te Upoko o te Ika Māori Radio.

(Sound Archives Insight 88)