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Home / Rotorua Daily Post

Maxwell stands by controversial cartoon kapa haka stamp series

By <b>Cherie Taylor</b>
Rotorua Daily Post·
18 May, 2006 03:28 AM3 mins to read

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Rotorua's deputy mayor Trevor Maxwell is defending a controversial cartoon-style stamp series which depicts Maori kapa haka performers.





The stamps, set for release by New Zealand Post next month, have caused a row with a Rotorua stamp collector and several Maori identities calling for
them to be banned.



Mr Maxwell, a Ngati Rangiwewehi kapa haka tutor, said he had been in contact with New Zealand Post during the planning stages of the stamp series and thought they were fine for release.

"I'm not a graphic artist but if they had used a photograph I understand that by the time it has been shrunk to the size of a stamp it would be unrecognisable.

"This is going to promote tradition Maori performing arts throughout the world."

The presentation packs were informative and featured photographs with explanations about the taiaha and poi, he said.

Similar stamps were released during New Zealand's 150-year celebrations in 1990.

Maori weren't upset by those and had no reason to be now, said Mr Maxwell.

"Those stamps had a similar format and there wasn't a hue and cry about them.

"I'm pleased our people were good enough to be chosen for this."

New Zealand Post spokeswoman Lucy Jackson said the stamps would not be withdrawn from circulation.

Stamps had been withdrawn previously because of spelling errors or inaccuracy.

"We have received both positive and negative comments but we think this is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Maori performing arts and the Maori culture," she said.



The series of five stamps, depicting Maori performing arts, as well as a series of presentation packages, will be available from Post shops on June 7.



The initial call to stop the stamps' release came from long-time stamp collector and former stamp and coin shop owner Don Ion, who said Maori would be offended by the cartoon style artwork and would become the laughing stock of the world.

Waiariki Institute of Technology kaumatua Ken Kennedy agreed the images on the stamps were derogatory.

"I don't think how they are presenting the actions are right. This is not how Maori performers look. It should be real photographs not cartoons.

"They don't even look Maori."

There should have been consultation with the wider Maori community before the stamps were even thought of, Mr Kennedy said.

Waiariki head of Te Pakaro A Ihenga, Ngahihi o te ra Bidois said photographs of international kapa haka performers should have been used.

"They have missed an opportunity to give honour to the people who have been exponents of kapa haka like Pita Sharples, Mita Mohi and Wetini Mitai.

"I think this downplays the seriousness of kapa haka in our culture. This is similar to the plastic tiki."

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