Kiri Te Kanawa, the great New Zealand Opera Diva certainly has the name to connect her to her Maori “roots”. A lot of Kiwi’s proudly claim Maori heritage.
Take Simon from Oz who is currently traveling around the world staying in hostels. Simon was a soldier in the Australian Army who is currently on extended leave from his job with the Government of Australia. Although he was Aussie born and raised he has a strong connection with New Zealand and the Maori culture.
Simon sports a contemporary Maori tattoo that covers his left shoulder. As far as tattoos go, it is nicely designed and very well executed. But why a Maori tattoo?
Glad you asked.
According to Simon a “pure ethnic Maori” is a thing of the past. They have assimilated with other cultures; nonetheless, the Maori culture itself, is strong and thriving into the 21st Century. It s a rich culture with strong traditional ties and ancient values.
It seems that anyone who can claim Maori Heritage in NZ does so with great pride - such as the great Diva herself does.
Simon’s mother hails from New Zealand and was of Maori heritage. It is on this firm foundation that Simon claims Maori roots for himself and for his future offspring.
The next time you see an “All Blacks” Kiwi Rugby or Soccer Team doing the traditional Hakka (the Maori Intimidation Dance) in the face of their opponents. Look at some of the blond-haired, blue-eyed players performing the traditional Maori ritual. And guess what? A lot of them actually are Maoris!
A lonely Maori lad with only four Norwegian beauties.