Letter: A Maori non-Maori replies

Last updated 12:00 08/02/2010

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OPINION: I read with amusement Vincent Ward's (Letters, Feb 4) objections to being called the "archaic" term Pakeha.

Mr Ward's suggestion that "non- Maori" would be a more appropriate term for New Zealanders not of Maori descent places me in a difficult position. You see, I am the daughter of a Maori father and Pakeha mother.

Under Mr Ward's assertion, I would be both Maori and non-Maori which is not only a contradiction, but impossible.

Considering that Mr Ward's suggestion may very well create a complex identity crisis for New Zealanders such as myself, I am sticking with Pakeha. While I agree New Zealand is a multicultural society, wouldn't one rather accept a distinct label such as Pakeha than distinguish oneself based on what one is not (non-Maori)?

FRANCHESCA WALKER

Brooklyn

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