53944 "LAUGHING PEOPLE" HISTORY OF THE MAORI PEOPLE NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA
Dating to 1954 and directed by O. Negus, LAUGHING PEOPLE tells the story of the Maori people in Australia and New Zealand. The film includes impressive footage of traditional tribal dances, customs and rituals, as well as studies of everyday life as it was lived (likely in the 1940s although some of the material appears historical and may have originated elsewhere).<p><p>The Maori (/'ma?ri/; Maori pronunciation: ['ma???i], About this sound listen)[6] are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. The Maori 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.[7][8] Over several centuries in isolation, the Polynesian settlers developed a unique culture that became known as the "Maori", with their own language, a rich mythology, distinctive crafts and performing arts. Early Maori formed tribal groups, based on eastern Polynesian social customs and organisation. Horticulture flourished using plants they introduced, and later a prominent warrior culture emerged.<p><p>The arrival of Europeans to New Zealand starting from the 17th century brought enormous changes to the Maori way of life. Maori people gradually adopted many aspects of Western society and culture. Initial relations between Maori and Europeans were largely amicable, and with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, the two cultures coexisted as part of a new British colony. Rising tensions over disputed land sales led to conflict in the 1860s. Social upheaval, decades of conflict and epidemics of introduced disease took a devastating toll on the Maori population, which fell dramatically. By the start of the 20th century, the Maori population had begun to recover, and efforts have been made to increase their standing in wider New Zealand society and achieve social justice. Traditional Maori culture has enjoyed a revival, and a protest movement emerged in the 1960s advocating for Maori issues.<p><p>In the 2013 census, there were approximately 600,000 people in New Zealand identifying as Maori, making up roughly 15% of the national population. They are the second-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, after European New Zealanders ("Pakeha"). In addition, more than 120,000 Maori live in Australia. The Maori language (known as Te Reo Maori) is still spoken to some extent by about a fifth of all Maori, representing 3% of the total population. Many New Zealanders regularly use Maori words and expressions, such as "kia ora", while speaking English. Maori are active in all spheres of New Zealand culture and society, with independent representation in areas such as media, politics and sport.<p><p>Disproportionate numbers of Maori face significant economic and social obstacles, with lower life expectancies and incomes compared with other New Zealand ethnic groups. They suffer higher levels of crime, health problems, and educational under-achievement. Socioeconomic initiatives have been implemented aimed at closing the gap between Maori and other New Zealanders. Political redress for historical grievances is also ongoing.