I was reading the paper the other day and within the Opinions section I came across a piece that complained about the way NZ is being depicted during this World Cup - especially in the Opening Ceremony. On the Opening Night their was an arrival of Waka's at the viaduct, several Hakas and a cultural performance at the opening game in Eden Park. Apparently the multiple "bare bottoms" and "wailing wahines" were offensive and represented only a 'minority group' in our country. I guess I can imagine this would be the approach of many New Zealanders who feel this depiction of our country as being biased. The (white) writer complained that her great grandfather, grandfather and father all fought for New Zealand and was 'embarrassed' and 'upset' that the unequal representation of NZ was undeniably focused on our indigenous people. Likewise, online communities have some similar views. For example one opinion states about the Opening Ceremony - “are there any white people in new zealand”? when they hell did we become 90% brown?"
http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2011/09/rugby_world_cup_opening_ceremony.html
However, these negative opinions represent only a part of NZ, there is countless positive remarks about the World Cup. In a time where our country is currently flooded with thousands of overseas visitors we have embraced our Maori culture and as a result i think the majority of New Zealanders are impressed. My personal response to the World Cup is excitement. I was proud of the huge performances our country put forward for the rest of the world. It was a pleasure to see traditional Maori dance and language emphasised. As typically, this aspect of our country is usually reduced to little media attention. Instead of Maori culture having brief appearances such as the Haka before every All Black Game, or reduced to the Maori Television, it took centre stage for the Opening Ceremony. I think foreign visitors would find these aspects highly interesting, as tourists generally have a desire to embrace the national culture of the country they visit.
While opinions like this raise questions whether these elements of NZ culture are being emphasised for purposes of attracting tourists, I think that we can be proud of the image we put forth on the Opening Night. The outstanding performance highlighted our culture, something that every New Zealander should remain proud of.
