Māori (1981)

Overview : 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.

Release Date : July 25, 1981

Runtime : 21m

Genre : Documentary, History  

Companies : The National Film Unit, New Zealand National Film Unit

Countries : New Zealand

Keywords : new zealand, polynesian, first nations, māori, air new zealand, kai moana