Issue 93 - Editorial

We can't forget

In a few days from now it’ll be Anzac Day. If recent years are anything to go by, tens of thousands of Kiwis will rise way earlier than they normally do to stand out in the cold before dawn to commemorate the actions of loved ones years ago.

The Maori Battalion had what might be their last national reunion in Auckland in March and it was sobering to realise that of the nearly 3600 who served in the 28th only 48 are still alive.

While acknowledging the heroic and outstanding exploits of the Battalion, it’s worth remembering too that they were actually quite a small part of the Maori effort in WWII. Four times as many other Maori served in other arms of the military. Those who remain are – as the ode implies – ‘growing old and the years are condemning them’. One of them is my own father, he will be 87 this year, and flew with the RNZAF in the Pacific war; but there were thousands more like him in the Air Force, the Navy and other battalions in the Army. Many Maori women too served in uniform.

Another uniform Maori have worn with pride for over 100 years is that of the team which, when I was growing up, was known as the Maori All Blacks. According to the Rugby Union what they now call ‘the Maori Team’ will be 100 this year and what now looks like a rushed three-match series is being pulled together for June.

The Rugby Union counts the beginning of ‘Maori rugby’ from a team formed in Rotorua in 1910, but other people point to the NZ Natives team that left these shores in 1888 to tour Britain, Egypt, and Australia, with a home tour thrown in on their return in 1889. In this issue you’ll read that the Minister of Maori Affairs had some sobering comments to make to the union at a function to announce the celebration arrangements.

Our cover story this issue is about yet another national institution, not quite as old as Maori participation in rugby, but based on an activity in which Maori have been participating for at least as long as they’ve been playing rugby. I’m talking about the Golden Shears which gave birth to the sport and competitive side of shearing and which in turn has led to the ‘Shears’ becoming the world’s premier wool handling competition.

Award winning photo-journalist and Ngati Porou – Aaron Smale – took his camera along to this year’s 50th Golden Shears and you’ll see his handiwork in our photo essay on the Golden Jubilee.

His story is supported by other historical accounts of Maori involved in one of this country’s backbone and back-breaking industries – the wool industry – which has put food on the table for countless thousands of Maori whanau dating back to soon after sheep were brought to Aotearoa.

As usual there are many more stories, titbits and recipes that you won’t find anywhere else. Enjoy Mana 93.

Hei kona mo tenei wa.