Māori programme: Te puna wai kōrero. 1975-05-14.

Rights Information
Year
1975
Reference
47106
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1975
Reference
47106
Media type
Audio
Duration
00:27:24
Taonga Māori Collection
Yes
Credits
RNZ Collection
Penfold, Merimeri, Interviewee
Reeves, Paul, Sir, Interviewee
Latimer, Graham, 1926-, Interviewee
Williams, Haare, 1940-, Presenter

A special edition discussing abortion and birth-control from a Māori perspective. Presented by Haare Williams.

Parliamentarians are still spilt down the middle on the morals of abortion. Dr Wall introduced the Hospitals Amendments bill as a measure to confine abortions to public hospitals. However Parliament took the illogical step of voting through a bill that the majority of members disagreed with in principal. Except for statements by the Māori Womens Welfare League (MWWL) and the NZ Māori Council, Māori opinions really have not been heard.
The following people speak their thoughts on the issue of abortion:

Kaikōrero: Merimeri Penfold speaks with George Andrews about the Māori concept of genealogy, and the idea of interfering with the line would not be tolerated in traditional Māori society. She discusses the conflict felt by young Māori between modern society and traditional values. She does not believe Māori men think about the issue, but that Māori women know the outcome they want from the bill.

Kaikōrero: Graham Latimer speaks with Henare Te Ua about the concept of life in Māoridom and the joy of large families in traditional Māori society.

Kaikōrero: Bishop Paul Reeves speaks with Haare Williams about his stance on the issue of abortion and birth control. He says he is ready to learn more about the evolving situation as he recognises there are more factors at play nowadays. He says there is no room in traditional Māori beliefs for abortion. There have been unwanted pregnancies in Māori life but no unwanted children; families were extensive enough that the child would be cared for easily. However, he says that in modern times, urban Māori girls face different problems.

A poem written by Ruth Hera Lee, reflecting the meaning of life, which pervades the whole fabric of Māori life. The poem is entitled 'Maoritanga' and read by Haare Williams. [Edited out of online version due to copyright].

Kaikōrero: Marjorie, a mother of five children, member of the Māori Women's Welfare League, and an exponent of Māori cultural values, presents a different view. She believes it is a matter of personal choice for women. She talks about her experience of attempting to obtain an abortion. She was denied.

Reading of a piece by a New Zealand nursing sister who spent time in a British private abortion clinic: read by Angela d'Audney. [Edited out of online version].

Haare Williams makes some final comments.

Song : Child of Mine, sung and written by Carole King. [Edited out of online version].