Culture and Technology

Introduction

The Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. The Māori originated with settlers from eastern Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand in several waves of canoe voyages at some time between 1250 and 1300 CE (p179). (Howe 2003), New Scientist web page Over several centuries in isolation, the Polynesian settlers developed a unique culture that became known as the "Māori", with their own language, a rich mythology, distinctive crafts and performing arts. The arrival of Europeans to New Zealand starting from the 17th century brought enormous change to the Māori way of life. Māori people gradually adopted many aspects of

Western society and culture. Initial relations between Māori and Europeans were largely amicable, and with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in1840, the two cultures coexisted as part of a new British colony. (Wikipedia, n.d)

                                                               (Smith, n.d) 

 

Maori and Technology 

 

Until today, most of the Maori culture is preserved to keep their beliefs and customs. One of the Maori culture pride that is Marae is still being built throughout the country. The design and traditional value are intact even today. But contemporary technology is used to help the Marae be strong and bring them to a place in which everyone benefits. (Taylor, n.d. para. 7)

The schooling system in New Zealand follows the British way. However, to help the culture remain strong, the Maori-language education was introduced to help educate young Maori to never forget their roots. Furthermore, most of Maori art nowadays has adopted western techniques to provide contemporary and creative ways to show the Maori culture to the world. (Royal, 2009). Socially, the Maori have adapted well to the technology and have also been successful in establishing urban Maori communities. In the 21st century with Maoris have become a significant part of the workforce. Several businesses are being owned and run by them. (Royal, 2009).

("Māori Television Migrates News Production with Grass Valley",n.d) 

       

("TE KURA KAUPAPA MAORI PUKEMIRO HAS A CERTAIN STYLE OF TRAINING:", 2011)

Comparision

In comparison to the Orang Asli in Malaysia, it may be said that the Moaris have embraced the cultural and technological changes rather well. Orang Asli were classified as the aboriginals in Malaysia and until today, they are still searching for their identities and lands in the fast developing Malaysia land. One of the reasons for this could be the lack of education.

                                                                  (Nicholas , 1997)

A research by Suhakam, a human rights commission in Malaysia shows that nearly 7000 of Orang Asli children never attended school because of inaccessibility of schools form their abode. (MySinchew, 2012). Because of all these factors, the concern from public and non-government organizations turns to help the Orang Asli. This is mainly to protect their rights as the indigenous people of Malaysia and to help them develop their community. (Shukry, 2012).

References

New Scientist Webpage: Rat remains help date New Zealand's colonisation. Retrieved 23 June 2008

Royal, C. (2009, March 3). 'Māori - Urbanisation and renaissance', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/maori/5

Tapsell, P. (2009, March 4). 'Te Arawa - European impact, Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/te-arawa/4

Taylor, E. (n.d) 'Korero'. National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved from

http://teaohou.natlib.govt.nz/journals/teaohou/issue/Mao02TeA/c14.html

Wikipedia, (n.d) Maori people. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M

%C4%81ori_people

Nicholas , C. (1997). THE ORANG ASLI OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA. Retrieved from http://www.magickriver.net/oa.htm

Māori Television Migrates News Production with Grass Valley. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.live-production.tv/news/products/m%C4%81ori-television-migrates-news-production-grass-valley.html

TE KURA KAUPAPA MAORI PUKEMIRO HAS A CERTAIN STYLE OF TRAINING:. (2011, May 11). Retrieved from http://farnorthcih.blogspot.co.nz/2011/05/te-kura-kaupapa-maori-pukemiro-has.html

Smith, A. (n.d.). Cultural reflections in the media (Maori Cinema). Retrieved from http://mcm.uws.edu.au/feed/article/93100