Kakariki writes on this blog with what seems like a very good understanding of Maori protocol and modern day Maori hierarchy. I on the other hand and without any disrespect, am unashamedly uninterested in Maori protocol or culture. I like to think that 150 years on New Zealand is developing a culture of its own and that culture is a combination of all the people who have lived here before us and are living here now! I acknowledge that Maori culture has a special place in the history of this country both past and present but not to the extent that it displaces anyone else or is so special that it deserves separate status in modern day New Zealand. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a call after my letter in the ODT from a local Maori who was very closely related to one of Dunedin’s prominent Maori families. This call was very supportive of my sentiments in that ODT letter and it was gratifying and humbling to hear this man revel his embarrassment for the way in which the Orokonui situation had developed. One point he made to me which really has no relevance to any cultural bickering was that we in New Zealand are so lucky to live here. Four million people living in such a beautiful place, no time to fight amongst ourselves! So true and anyone will acknowledge that all of our descendants Maori included have made mistakes in regard to the development of modern day New Zealand. The reason Orokonui was conceived was not developed around any concern for human cultural preservation. The essence of Orokonui was always centred on flora and fauna. This concern for human cultural protocol is very much divisive and certainly is wasted energy when Orokonui Sanctuary itself is in a state of shaky existence. Funding and finance is a continual nightmare. Marvellous as it is, the new visitor centre is way over the top from what I envisaged and is a big animal in itself taking a lot of financial resources to operate leaving the practical flora and fauna requirements wanting! Arguing over human frailties is an embarrassment to all of us. You would think that given the knowledge of what we humans have done to New Zealand over the centuries it would be possible for all people to forget about any self motivated issues. In just a tiny wee patch of Otago surely it is possible to try and create a little bit of New Zealand the way it was!
For me this photo says it all, this is a male kaka (Mr Roto) who I personally cared for nine years in captivity. He was originally from Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes. His mother was killed by a stoat and he was removed from the nest and hand reared. He is now free in Orokonui Sanctuary and has made his mark by contributing offspring while in captivity that now also fly free at Orokonui. He was never concerned with human cultural conservation; he just got on and did what he needed to do as this is the result. He sometimes feels the need for personal contact with people but essentially the Orokonui Ecosanctuary is his world now. What a wonderful gift for all and certainly not worth losing because of the self interest of humans who stole his world before!
Tony Pullar
