Today in NZ history http www nzhistory net

Today in NZ history http: //www. nzhistory. net. nz/ timeline&new_date=19/08

Recap • Film by Roger Mirams and John O’Shea in 1952 • Broken Barrier is a movie about a love affair between a Pakeha man and a Maori woman, and the racism they face • “In its time Broken Barrier did represent a remarkable achievement in the consciousness raising of New Zealand public” http: //www. filmarchive. org. nz/fe ature-project/pages/Broken. Barrier. php

POLITICS AND LEADERSHIP 1949 - 1960

Pre 1949 • • Labour Party has strong relations with Maori and was heavily in favour of promoting their equality Labour relied on support of Ratana Mps In 1945 the Labour Prime Minister Peter Fraser passed the Maori Social and Economic Advancement Act. This was intended to address some of the problems with Maori urbanisation. Also passed in recognition of the contributions that Maori had made during the war. The act was meant to improve health and education, while providing opportunities for Maori to improve their economic position. Peter Fraser. Nz Prime Minister from 1940 -1949.

National Government 19491957 ending their 14 Defeated Labour in 1949 election • • • year rule. For 29 out of the next 35 years NZ was led by National Government No Maori served as National MPs until 1975. On the flip side, National had high ranking rangatira as advisors on Maori policy. These rangatira critisized the Ratana-Labour alliance as they believed the social welfare policies There’s a new sheriff made them economically and socially dependent, in town stripping them on of their dignity and motivation to do things for themselves.

Sidney Holland • Prime Minister of the National Party from 1949 -1957 • Has little understanding on Maori Affairs • Reported as saying that National could do without the Maori • Appointed Ernest Corbett to Minister of Maori Affair, who was passionate on the idea of assimilation. • The Maori Affairs Act of 1953: Under this act government could purchase shares in undeveloped Maori land that had economic value then sell these shares. • National claimed the act was meant to encourage development of Maori land which had been prevented by fragmentation of Q: Why might Maori have a ownership. problem with this act? ?

The Nash Labour Government 1957 -1960 • Once elected Prime Minister, Nash chose to Walter Nash: Prime Minister and Minister of Maori Affairs 1957 -60. follow the example of former Labour Prime Minister Peter Fraser and take the responsibility for the Department of Maori Affairs • Problem was he had little understanding of Maori issues, and viewed Maori ministers as a threat to undermine his party. • This left Maori disappointed and disgruntled with their lack of voice within NZ politics • On the other hand, Labour did provide bulk payments of Family Benefit which helped Maori settle into urban housing. • Near the end of Labour’s time in office, one of Nash’s leading servants, Jack Hunn, prepared an in depth report on Maori issues. The document, known as The Hunn Report was completed in August of 1960 after Labour was defeated. The act

Maori Reaction What’s happening from the outside? What is being done to give Maori a voice?

Maori Women’s Welfare League • • • In 1951 the Maori Women’s Welfare League was established with the help of the Maori Affairs Department. These women took it as their responsibility to step up and look after urban centres to improve Maori health and well being. In particular, issues like infant mortality, sanitation, hygiene and diet. Also very active in the pursuit for better education Whina Cooper and Mira Szasy went door to door in Auckland for two months collecting their info (Source A) Provided a voice for Maori women. Within six months of forming it already had 3, 000 members

Who are we? Why are we important? ?

Amenities 1960 Percentage of Homes Maori Non-Maori Bath or shower 58 93 Piped Water 51 86 Hot-Water Service 48 88 Flush toilet 31 80 Refrigerator 20 55 Washing Machine 19 58 Room per house 3. 9 4. 7 Occupants per house 5. 6 3. 6 Q: What are some of the problems that stand out to us on the chart?