Poem: "The Leaves of the Manuka Tree"
Apr. 18th, 2018 09:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the April 3, 2018 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired and sponsored by Anthony Barrette. It also fills the "warm" square in my 4-1-18 card for the Spring Fest bingo. This poem belongs to the series Polychrome Heroics.
"The Leaves of the Manuka Tree"
The week after the scandal in which
employees of Kōwhai Finance Limited were
caught manipulating clients for their own benefit,
Poiball decided to visit them and make a withdrawal.
He didn't have an account there, but he was
a supervillain, so it shouldn't be a problem.
For backup, Poiball brought with him
his lieutenant Nixon Emery, a skilled thief;
his loyal bodyguard Joseph Tūhoe;
his lookout Thomas Milner; and
three other guys to carry the loot.
No sooner had Poiball gotten
into a choice argument with
the security guards than
some pākehā butted in
and started threatening him.
"Careful, bro, that's Jack Union,"
said Harry, who was a soup fan.
"He's strong as and invulnerable too."
"Gap it?" said Nixon. He
rarely hesitated to run.
"Hell no," Poiball said.
He wasn't giving ground
to a pākehā without a fight.
So he looked around and
spied the Tuapapa Plaza that
separated Kōwhai Finance Limited
from a neighboring building.
It had a strip of grass alongside
the smooth plaza, with step-benches
made of concrete and recycled wood facing
a native rock garden on the far side.
That would make a perfect place.
"Kua takoto te manuka!"
Poiball shouted at the interloper.
"What's that supposed
to mean?" Jack Union said.
"The leaves of the manuka tree
have been laid down," a guard said.
"It means that Poiball is challenging you.
Now you two have to haka for dominance."
"What the ...?" Jack Union said, but
the security guards helpfully took hold
of him and hustled him to the plaza in
the wake of Poiball and his minions.
The crowd milled vigorously, some people
hurrying out of the way while others
moved into watch the spectacle.
Word must have spread to
Kōwhai Finance Limited, because
more people poured out of it.
Soon the little plaza was
chocka block with an audience
just waiting to divide itself along
the lines of the haka mana.
Poiball's minions fanned out
behind him in a show of support.
They all waited patiently while
the guards attempted to explain
the process to Jack Union.
They engaged in a few rounds
of ritual insults, with Poiball
sticking to English ones out of
consideration for his enemy.
The crowd began to divide,
and Poiball was pulling more
than a supervillain usually would,
just because he was a local bro
going up against a foreigner.
Jack Union had managed
to draw in about a dozen people,
because he was new and interesting, or
they wanted to encourage participation,
or in a couple of cases they were
actually Britannian themselves.
Poiball shouted out the ritual lines of
a favorite haka chant, and his minions
burst into action. They bared their teeth,
flared their eyes, and stuck out their tongues.
They slapped their chests and stomped
their feet on the soft grass of the plaza.
At the end, Poiball reached up
and launched a graceful stream
of fireballs into the sky above.
The crowd hooted and clapped
in applause, and several more people
shifted position to Poiball's side.
Suddenly Jack Union grabbed
the gorgeous green drinking fountain,
ripped it out of the ground, and
threw it at Poiball's head.
"What a sad guy!" someone called.
The audience snapped together
behind Poiball, like two bubbles
of water abruptly joining into one.
A few of the pākehā actually started
booing Jack Union, but their neighbors
shushed them and shooed them over to
Poiball's side of the haka mana to present
a more appropriate expression of disapproval.
Poiball hastened to wrap his superpower
around the pipe and melt it shut to stop
the water from spurting everywhere.
Someone was yelling for an ambulance,
so there were probably casualties.
Poiball hoped it wasn't serious.
These weren't the bad old days
when war parties actually killed
people. They were civilized now.
The whole point of haka mana
was to show off your superpowers
so you didn't have to hurt each other
or rip up the city to settle who's in charge.
New Zealand wasn't like America
where people could afford to wreck
the place because somebody would
come along behind them and clean up
the mess. Their little island nation
didn't have that kind of budget.
Then Jack Union pried up
one of the rocks from the garden.
"What the hell are you doing?"
Poiball barked. "You're a superhero,
you're not supposed to hurt people!"
"You're a supervillain," Jack Union said.
"You deserve to get hurt. If you don't
like the risk, get out of the business."
Joseph stepped in front of Poiball,
which was his job as bodyguard.
Poiball realized that Jack Union
meant to do some serious harm,
and gapping it now might save
their gang but it wouldn't do
anything for their audience --
now also his responsibility.
So Poiball would have
to stop him, somehow, before
anyone else could get hurt.
Harry had said that Jack Union
was strong and invulnerable, but
nothing about super-senses.
Poiball whipped up the dirtiest fire
he could and wrapped it around Jack Union.
In the warm air, it was oppressively hot.
Dark orange flames and billowing black smoke
swept in a circle around the supervillain. He
might not be vulnerable to flames, but he also
couldn't see through the smokescreen.
Sirens wailed to a stop in the street,
and Poiball turned around to look.
Never in his life had he felt so glad
to see the blue-and-yellow checks
of a police car, and beyond that,
the green-and-yellow ambulance.
Medics hurried over to help
the people who had gotten hurt
when the loose drinking fountain
rolled through the audience.
At least there didn't seem
to be any serious injuries.
A constable pointed to the fire
and made a 'down' motion,
so Poiball killed the flames.
Jack Union came charging out,
and for a moment Poiball worried that
he'd knock the poor constable into a wall --
but fortunately, Jack Union tolerated
the arrest, albeit with bad grace.
Poiball heaved a sigh of relief,
not caring who heard him.
He felt grateful as that
he didn't live in any of
those countries where
this crap was normal.
Then an older man in
a blue suit made his way
to the front of the audience.
Dark lines of tā moko covered
the lower half of his face, and so
everyone gave him complete respect.
He called out the preamble to
a famous haka, and the crowd
fell right into place behind him,
following with practiced grace.
The gang formed up behind Poiball,
who was trying not to cry in public,
because a hundred strangers
were doing a haka for them.
He didn't get that kind of honor.
Poiball was well liked in his hapū,
but the other members of his tribe
did not respect him, because he
could never quite keep his nose
clean long enough to earn
his own tā moko, which was
a bitter disappointment to him.
Just watching so many people
dancing for him gave Poiball
a strange warm feeling inside.
After the haka, Poiball
conjured up his fireballs and
did the twirling routine that he had
intended to perform earlier, before
Jack Union had spoiled the show.
Once again, everyone applauded.
Then the older man came over
to hand Poiball a briefcase.
"I'm Arapeta Selwyn, the president
of Kōwhai Finance Limited," he said.
"I believe this belongs to you. I hope that
a hundred thousand dollars will suffice."
"That's more than I meant to ask, aye?"
said Poiball. It was more than double
the average annual salary, and more than
triple the minimum-wage rate that was
all most of gang could hope to earn,
if they could get a job at all, which
they usually couldn't or else they
wouldn't be minions in the first place.
The older man just smiled and
clapped him on the shoulder.
"You deserve it, standing up to
that pākehā like you did," he said.
"Now I know you're not a superhero,
but you did a fine job today. Besides, this
will help redeem my company's reputation.
I fired the offenders, of course, but it's
not that easy to appease the public."
"In that case, I'm happy to help,"
Poiball said, accepting the briefcase.
His minions looked more than satisfied
with the haul -- even divided among
the bunch of them, it would keep
people in feed for quite a while.
The next person who approached
was big and tall, rounded in the way
of so many Maori. Tā moko swirled
over his face, shoulders, and legs. He
held himself like an important person.
"You don't need to give me anything,"
Poiball said. "Mr. Selwyn has been
more than generous today."
Sometimes the audience
went a bit mad throwing stuff
at you if you won a haka mana,
and too much greed could
cross a line into hara.
"I am Irirangi Tai," the man said.
"I have heard much about you, and
I think that you have more honor than
your relatives realize. Come to my place,
Poiball, and I will give you tā moko."
Stunned, the supervillain finally noticed
the mark of a Tohunga Tā Moko, one
who made the sacred tribal tattoos.
That made him suck in his breath,
the offer of all he had desired, and
he wished that his family could have
seen him do something worthy for once,
but he would take what he could get.
Nixon gave him a nudge forward,
and Poiball could also feel Joseph
right behind him on the other side,
both of them offering their support.
"Yes," said Poiball. "Yes, I will come."
"Good," said Irirangi, handing Poiball
a card with his address. "I will make
you something magnificent, and then
everyone will see who you are."
The constable came over then,
to make sure that the haka mana
had been performed properly,
at least on Poiball's side, and
that nobody had gotten hurt.
"All good here?" the cop asked.
"We'll be right," Poiball said.
"I'm afraid I can't say the same
for the drinking fountain, though.
I had to melt the pipe shut."
"No worries, the city will
send the Britannian embassy
a bill for that," the constable said.
"Thank you for stepping up today."
"You're welcome," Poiball said, shivering
a little at the sheer unfamiliarity of a cop
thanking him for doing anything as he
watched the other man walk away.
"We safe, bro?" Joseph asked him.
"Yeah," Poiball said as he headed
back the way that they had come,
briefcase in hand. "It's all good."
* * *
Notes:
Poiball (Kaokao Mau) -- He has tinted skin, brown eyes, and brown hair buzzed short with a short beard. His heritage is primarily Maori and Britannian, with a little other Polynesian thrown in. He speaks English and Maori. He identifies as Maori and is well liked in his hapū (clan). But he can never quite keep his nose clean long enough to build up serious respect, hence his current lack of tā moko (tribal tattoos), which is a disappointment to him.
Young and full of mischief, Poiball started using his fire tricks to distract people while someone else committed a theft. Over time he built up a following and learned to steal on his own. Now he is quite popular. He always delivers an excellent show, his control means that nobody and nothing gets damaged, and he doesn't steal unreasonable amounts. Usually he picks corporations or other targets who have come under public censure recently, so it's as much quasi-illegal protest as plain burglary. On the occasions when Poiball has been captured, his community service has wound up being a series of public performances, without pay. It doesn't take long for the ticket sales to pay off the fines.
Origin: He has always been fascinated by fire. As a teenager, there was an accident during a fire dance and the pavilion caught fire. He rushed forward to help put it out, which worked, but he seemed to set himself alight in the process. Amazingly, he was unharmed, and he gradually learned how to control his abilities.
Uniform: Often shirtless, wearing boardshorts and trainers. He likes paracord and often wears several macrame bracelets. For a planned haka mana, sometimes he dresses in traditional Maori regalia.
Qualities: Expert (+4) Haka, Expert (+4) Thief, Good (+2) Distracting, Good (+2) Memory, Good (+2) Minions, Good (+2) Strong
Poor (-2) No Tā Moko
Poiball has a standard team of nine minions for haka mana, and can summon more from bystanders at Good level.
Powers: Expert (+4) Fire Control (Signature Stunt: Firestopping; Spinoff Stunt: Fire Form)
He usually uses his power to create and direct small balls of fire, similar to a poi dance but without chains. He can also make lines, blades, or sheets of flame. He can turn his body into fire. His fluency with that is lower and he can only hold it for an hour at most, but rarely does so for more than a few minutes.
Motivation: Anyone who makes an arse of himself deserves to get burned.
Hapū is a subtribe, several extended families grouped together.
Tā moko are tribal tattoos that identify family and honor.
Nixon Emery -- He has tinted skin, hazel eyes, and curly brown hair to his shoulders. He has a mix of kirituri (skin art) and European-style tattoos in monochrome climbing over most of his right arm. His heritage is Britannian with some Maori and a few other things thrown in. Fast and imaginative, he is an excellent thief who works for Poiball. However, he has difficulty focusing on long-term goals and easily loses track of less important details.
Qualities: Good (+2) Dreamer, Good (+2) Fast, Good (+2) Gang Lieutenant, Good (+2) Thief, Good (+2) Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Poor (-2) Disorganized
Joseph Tūhoe -- He has tinted skin, brown eyes, and short wavy brown hair. He has a full-color phoenix tattooed over his left shoulder. His heritage is half Maori and half European. When he was 13, his house burned down, killing most of his whānau (extended family) except for two younger cousins who escaped with him. Joseph survived with burn scars on his left shoulder, which he later covered with the phoenix tattoo. Nobody in his hapū (clan) would take him, because they disapproved of his mother marrying a pākehā (outsider). So Joseph was fostered with a New Zealand family of European descent, which was not a great fit. He turned to gang life to recreate the sense of belonging that he felt with his birth family, which makes him intensely loyal to his gangmates. He serves as a bodyguard for Poiball.
Qualities: Expert (+4) Strength, Good (+2) Bodyguard, Good (+2) Kinesthetic Intelligence, Good (+2) Loyal
Poor (-2) Melancholy
Whānau means extended family.
Gangs cause serious problems in New Zealand.
Thomas Milner -- He has tinted skin, brown eyes, and short straight hair of dark brown. His heritage is Britannian and some southern European. Never a good student, he left school as soon as he could, which now makes it difficult to find a job. Thomas works as a lookout in Poiball's gang.
Qualities: Good (+2) Inconspicuous, Good (+2) Observant
Poor (-2) School-Leaver
Rick Linkhorn -- He has tinted skin, black eyes, and short wavy black hair. His mixed-race heritage includes Spanish, Britannian, and Italian with a little Maori. He is short and slender. Rick dropped out of school because he just didn't care about it, and he doesn't care about the impact that has on his life either. Despite his small size, he is quite the scrapper and serves as muscle for Poiball.
Qualities: Good (+2) Courage, Good (+2) Tough
Poor (-2) Sexist
Harry Randell -- He has fair skin, brown eyes, and short wavy black hair. His heritage is primarily Britannian. Harry left school before graduating, and that makes it harder for him to get ahead in life. Fortunately he knows how to get by on the streets without much money. He also enjoys following news and gossip about people with superpowers. Harry belongs to Poiball's gang and does general work there including errands.
Qualities: Good (+2) Poorskills, Good (+2) Soup Fan, Good (+2) Street Smarts
Poor (-2) School-Leaver
Diego Bosque -- He has toffee skin, brown eyes, and short curly hair of dark brown. His heritage is Hispanic. Tall and muscular, he makes a good athlete. Deigo always struggled with academic topics such as math and reading, so he dropped out, but it doesn't bother him because he doesn't want a job in subjects he doesn't do well. Currently he works as muscle for Poiball, but hopes to move on to something better.
Qualities: Good (+2) Athlete, Good (+2) Haka, Good (+2) Optimist
Poor (-2) Academics
Jack Union -- This world-class soup operates openly out of Great Britain. A baron's second son, Jack joined the army in his youth, serving with distinction. He is tall and slender, with a little muscle definition but not beefy. He has pale skin, straight dark brown hair, and blue eyes.
Origin: Jack's latent powers manifested during an intense firefight when he charged an enemy position to rescue his unit. Now in addition to his military work, he sometimes does special missions for the Queen (whom he adores because she reminds him of his grandmother).
Uniform: Standard army uniform; when on a soup mission, he adds a British flag cape.
Qualities: Master (+6) Soldier, Expert (+4) Dutiful, Expert (+4) Hand-to-Hand Combat, Good (+2) Gentleman, Good (+2) Historian, Good (+2) Ruggedly Handsome
Poor (-2) Was That Racist? (often makes oblique, questionable remarks)
Powers: Expert (+4) Strength, Expert (+4) Invulnerability, Good (+2) Adaptation, Average (0) Energy Blast, Average (0) Flight, Average (0) Speed
Motivation: Defend the honor of the United Kingdom.
Arapeta Selwyn -- He has caramel skin, brown eyes, and short gray hair. The lower half of his face is covered with tā moko. He is the president of Kōwhai Finance Limited. A recent scandal involved several bank employees manipulating clients for their own benefit; Arapeta fired them as soon as he found out, but the bank's reputation has still suffered. He has slept poorly since then.
Qualities: Master (+6) Businessman, Master (+6) Grandfather, Expert (+4) Logical-Mathematical Intelligence, Expert (+4) Wealth, Good (+2) Collector of Maori Art, Good (+2) Constitution, Good (+2) Tikanga
Poor (-2) Insomnia
Tikanga is a Maori value that means "the placing into practice that which is correct."
Kōwhai is a vivid yellow wildflower that represents New Zealand.
Irirangi Tai -- He has tan skin, brown eyes, and short straight black hair. He has tā moko on his face, shoulders, and legs. He is tall with big bones, thick muscles, and a lot of fat on his torso. Yet his hands are small and delicate. Irirangi comes from a large, close-knit family. He serves as the Tohunga Tā Moko or tattoo artist for his hapū (clan). He is particularly alert to whanaungtanga, a sense of belonging, and can use his influence to bring people into or out of a group.
Qualities: Master (+6) Whanaungtanga, Expert (+4) Tohunga Tā Moko, Expert (+4) Extended Family, Good (+2) Big and Tall, Good (+2) Dexterity, Good (+2) Emotional Intelligence
Poor (-2) Overweight
Whanaungtanga is a Maori value that means "a sense of belonging."
William Haumaha -- He has tinted skin, brown eyes, and black hair buzzed short. He has tā moko on his left arm. His heritage includes Black Irish and Maori. He speaks English, Maori, and Te Reo Rotarota (New Zealand Sign Language). As the only Hearing member of a Deaf family, he has a bit of a culture gap in dealing with mainstream society. William serves as a constable in Wellington, New Zealand. His tā moko give him status and encourage people to treat him with respect. He excels at self-control and teaching it to others.
Qualities: Good (+2) Constable, Good (+2) Dexterity, Good (+2) Interpersonal Intelligence, Good (+2) Rangatiratanga, Good (+2) Rugby Fan
Poor (-2) Culture Gap
Rangatiratanga is a Maori value of self-control.
Self governance. Being in control. Give them the information to support them to make informed choices. Leading the events, negotiating the rules, determining the outcomes.
New Zealand constables wear a uniform with a pale blue shirt and dark blue pants.
* * *
Kua takoto te manuka
The leaves of the manuka tree have been laid down
This is a form of wero, that is preformed in very formal situations on the Marae. It is when you are challenged and you answer that challenge depending on how pick up the leaves. The wero is to see whether you come in peace or as an enemy. This proverb is used when being challenged, or you have a challenge ahead of you.
-- Maori Proverbs
Kōwhai Finance Limited
125-135, Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington
See an overview of the neighborhood.
Kōwhai Finance Limited is a tall building with several businesses on the ground floor. They have a parking garage, a bike store with all kinds of bicycles, the Red Mount Cafe, and a convenience store. There are also lifts and an accessible unisex restroom. Here is the Kōwhai Finance Limited reception. On the wall you can see signs for some of the other businesses sharing the building. The large multipurpose room is on the ground floor alongside the retail space.
Upstairs is the breakroom with kitchen for general staff, public restroom, meeting room, open office floor with a few private offices, and the smaller multipurpose area. The executive floor has meeting rooms with a lounge, a kitchen and dining room, and public restrooms for executives. The boardroom is near the private offices. Arapeta Selwyn's office has a private bathroom.
See the Tuapapa Plaza steps and rock garden with native plants.
Terramagne-New Zealand has many drinking fountains made with Maori-inspired artwork. Tuapapa Plaza had the middle one in green.
The Maori people have a rich culture.
Haka is a vigorous form of dance that is sometimes still performed in traditional regalia. It may be done at weddings, funerals, sporting events, and other special occasions.
Dominant body language includes many features such as staring, making the body bigger, crotch displays, screaming, chest-beating, ground-slapping, tongue-lolling, and eyebrow-raising.
In T-Maori culture, tā moko remains an official part of the culture, a form of insignia worn on the skin. Tā moko can only be applied by tohunga-ta-moko or tattoo specialists. They cannot be purchased at whim; they can only be earned. People of poor reputation may be denied even if their lineage is good. Conversely, even pākehā or outsiders of honor may be offered tā moko on rare occasions. Most iwi or clans allow a choice between the traditional style done with chisels and the modern style done with a tattoo gun, and between natural or synthetic pigments.
For pākehā, there is kirituhi or skin art, a style of tattoo that is visually similar to tā moko but without the clan insignia. Customarily the wearer chooses a symbol for either their home country or the world at large, along with motifs for family members, profession, and other personal meanings. Like tā moko, it can tell a story about the person's life, but the vocabulary is a little different so as to avoid confusion. Some symbols of common interests -- such as New Zealand flora and fauna, relations, and life phases -- may remain the same across the styles.
Choice – Simply means “good” or “cool” and is used similarly to “sweet as”.
Example:
John: Bro, Jen went to buy our movie tickets and the guy gave all of us free popcorn.
Jack: Oh choice! (translation: Oh that’s awesome).
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
Pākehā means outsider, foreigner, or non-Maori. Some people only use it for New Zealand citizens of European descent, some for tourists, and many for literally everyone other than Maori.
Bro – When I’m with my friends I use this in almost every sentence. We use it in place of ‘man’ or ‘mate’ or ‘dude’. It’s not reserved for good friends, you can say it to anyone, like the mailman or a taxi driver. They’ll probably say it back to you.
Example:
Jack: Hey bro how’s it going?
John: I’m all good bro! Did you see Shortland Street last night bro? It was crazy bro!
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
As – We commonly use the word “as” as an amplifier to the preceding adjective. For example, “cheap as” would translate to “really cheap”.
Example:
John: Bro, check out my new polka dot undies. Got them in Howick for 20 bucks.
Jack: Bro, that’s expensive as! (translation: that’s really f*cking expensive).
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
Gap it – Can simply mean “to leave” or can also mean to “run away”.
Example:
John: Bro I saw this guy trying to break into my car.
Jack: Did you catch him?
John: Nah, he gapped it. (translation: no, he ran away)
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
Chocka Block – Crowded/busy
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
What a sad guy – This is said when someone does something super uncool.
Example:
Jack: Bro, when Tim was drunk as last night I put $500 of booze on his credit card.
John: What a sad guy!
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
Here you can see a New Zealand police car and an ambulance with their distinctive markings.
New Zealand uses a dollar as their currency. The median income in New Zealand is around $48,800 a year or $23.50 per hour.
The adult minimum wage rate for employees aged 16 years or older:
$15.75 an hour before tax
$630.00 before tax for a 40 hour week.
Aye (Eh) – Probably impossible to explain, but I will try. It has many different uses so you will need to listen carefully to the pitch, tone and context in which it’s used to decipher the meaning in each particular situation. Also note that the word is pronounced like the letter “A”, not the letter I.
1. Used on the end of a statement to solicit agreement from the other party. Similar meaning to “don’t you think?” or “isn’t it?”
Example:
Jack: It’s pretty hot today aye? (translation: It’s pretty hot today, isn’t it?)
John: Yeah bro, hardout. (translation: Yes, very).
2. Used to express disbelief and/or surprise. You would use a similar pitch and tone to when you say “Really??”.
Example:
Jack: Tim broke his leg at rugby last night and now he’s in the hospital.
John: Aye? (translation: Really!?)
3. Used to express confusion when you’re unsure of why something is happening or when things are not appearing as they should. When used in this context the “Aye” will typically be longer and more drawn out, usually in a slightly higher pitched voice.
Example:
Jack: Bro Mr Tupai said you have to go to his office after school because your exam was so crap.
John: Aaaaaye? (translation: What the hell!?)
4. Used as a filler word, with no real meaning at all.
Example:
Jack: How was Jen’s cupcake party?
John: It was cool aye, I really enjoyed it.
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
A feed – A meal
Example:
Jack: I’m hungry bro.
John: Alright, let’s go for a feed. Macca’s?
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
hara
1. (verb) to be in violation of a tapu, transgress, commit a sin, violate the law, offend - in traditional society the word was used primarily for an offence from the violation of tapu. With the introduction of Christianity, the meaning widened to include sin and deliberate offending, and then offending in violation of rules, regulations and the law.
I mea a Pārao kua hara ia (TP 1/7/1900:4) / Pharaoh said that he had transgressed.
Maori had no concept of that Christian type of sin. The Maori hara (sin) can be an unconscious infringement of tapu. This is because tapu has a collective nature, being the weaving of the gods and described by Patterson as ‘hard mana.’ Tapu is binding as well as bonding with repercussions for the future if transgressed with a ‘hara.’ There is a comparable sense of Christian sin also being unconscious as in the concept of ‘original sin.’ Here the individual is not responsible for the offense as it comes from the first parents. But the sin is atoned for by accepting Jesus as atonement. 214
To be unaware of one’s environment and capable of infringing, meant Maori were encouraged to be aware and practise such virtues as aroha ki te tangata (respect for humanity), manaakitanga (hospitality) and tiakitanga (caring). A popular Maori saying values people above all things.
-- Maori Values Can Reinvigorate a New Zealand Philosophy
In light of Maori values, a more precise translation might be "imbalance." Hara (wrongdoing) is that which is not tikanga (the proper way of life). Virtues guide people in the right direction, vices in the wrong direction; so the pursuit of vice is among the things which can be hara.
All good – This basically means ‘everything’s fine’ or ‘no problem’, and we also use it in place of ‘you’re welcome’ when someone says thank you.
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
She’ll be right – “Are the sausages burning?” “Nah, she’ll be right”
When something is going to be okay or alright.
-- 56 Typical New Zealand Slang Words
No worries – “Thanks for that!” “No worries cuz”
This means no problem! If someone helps you and you say thank you they will usually reply ‘no worries’.
-- 56 Typical New Zealand Slang Words
“Safe” is overlooked these days but pretty much means what it means “its okay or all good”.
-- 56 Typical New Zealand Slang Words
"The Leaves of the Manuka Tree"
The week after the scandal in which
employees of Kōwhai Finance Limited were
caught manipulating clients for their own benefit,
Poiball decided to visit them and make a withdrawal.
He didn't have an account there, but he was
a supervillain, so it shouldn't be a problem.
For backup, Poiball brought with him
his lieutenant Nixon Emery, a skilled thief;
his loyal bodyguard Joseph Tūhoe;
his lookout Thomas Milner; and
three other guys to carry the loot.
No sooner had Poiball gotten
into a choice argument with
the security guards than
some pākehā butted in
and started threatening him.
"Careful, bro, that's Jack Union,"
said Harry, who was a soup fan.
"He's strong as and invulnerable too."
"Gap it?" said Nixon. He
rarely hesitated to run.
"Hell no," Poiball said.
He wasn't giving ground
to a pākehā without a fight.
So he looked around and
spied the Tuapapa Plaza that
separated Kōwhai Finance Limited
from a neighboring building.
It had a strip of grass alongside
the smooth plaza, with step-benches
made of concrete and recycled wood facing
a native rock garden on the far side.
That would make a perfect place.
"Kua takoto te manuka!"
Poiball shouted at the interloper.
"What's that supposed
to mean?" Jack Union said.
"The leaves of the manuka tree
have been laid down," a guard said.
"It means that Poiball is challenging you.
Now you two have to haka for dominance."
"What the ...?" Jack Union said, but
the security guards helpfully took hold
of him and hustled him to the plaza in
the wake of Poiball and his minions.
The crowd milled vigorously, some people
hurrying out of the way while others
moved into watch the spectacle.
Word must have spread to
Kōwhai Finance Limited, because
more people poured out of it.
Soon the little plaza was
chocka block with an audience
just waiting to divide itself along
the lines of the haka mana.
Poiball's minions fanned out
behind him in a show of support.
They all waited patiently while
the guards attempted to explain
the process to Jack Union.
They engaged in a few rounds
of ritual insults, with Poiball
sticking to English ones out of
consideration for his enemy.
The crowd began to divide,
and Poiball was pulling more
than a supervillain usually would,
just because he was a local bro
going up against a foreigner.
Jack Union had managed
to draw in about a dozen people,
because he was new and interesting, or
they wanted to encourage participation,
or in a couple of cases they were
actually Britannian themselves.
Poiball shouted out the ritual lines of
a favorite haka chant, and his minions
burst into action. They bared their teeth,
flared their eyes, and stuck out their tongues.
They slapped their chests and stomped
their feet on the soft grass of the plaza.
At the end, Poiball reached up
and launched a graceful stream
of fireballs into the sky above.
The crowd hooted and clapped
in applause, and several more people
shifted position to Poiball's side.
Suddenly Jack Union grabbed
the gorgeous green drinking fountain,
ripped it out of the ground, and
threw it at Poiball's head.
"What a sad guy!" someone called.
The audience snapped together
behind Poiball, like two bubbles
of water abruptly joining into one.
A few of the pākehā actually started
booing Jack Union, but their neighbors
shushed them and shooed them over to
Poiball's side of the haka mana to present
a more appropriate expression of disapproval.
Poiball hastened to wrap his superpower
around the pipe and melt it shut to stop
the water from spurting everywhere.
Someone was yelling for an ambulance,
so there were probably casualties.
Poiball hoped it wasn't serious.
These weren't the bad old days
when war parties actually killed
people. They were civilized now.
The whole point of haka mana
was to show off your superpowers
so you didn't have to hurt each other
or rip up the city to settle who's in charge.
New Zealand wasn't like America
where people could afford to wreck
the place because somebody would
come along behind them and clean up
the mess. Their little island nation
didn't have that kind of budget.
Then Jack Union pried up
one of the rocks from the garden.
"What the hell are you doing?"
Poiball barked. "You're a superhero,
you're not supposed to hurt people!"
"You're a supervillain," Jack Union said.
"You deserve to get hurt. If you don't
like the risk, get out of the business."
Joseph stepped in front of Poiball,
which was his job as bodyguard.
Poiball realized that Jack Union
meant to do some serious harm,
and gapping it now might save
their gang but it wouldn't do
anything for their audience --
now also his responsibility.
So Poiball would have
to stop him, somehow, before
anyone else could get hurt.
Harry had said that Jack Union
was strong and invulnerable, but
nothing about super-senses.
Poiball whipped up the dirtiest fire
he could and wrapped it around Jack Union.
In the warm air, it was oppressively hot.
Dark orange flames and billowing black smoke
swept in a circle around the supervillain. He
might not be vulnerable to flames, but he also
couldn't see through the smokescreen.
Sirens wailed to a stop in the street,
and Poiball turned around to look.
Never in his life had he felt so glad
to see the blue-and-yellow checks
of a police car, and beyond that,
the green-and-yellow ambulance.
Medics hurried over to help
the people who had gotten hurt
when the loose drinking fountain
rolled through the audience.
At least there didn't seem
to be any serious injuries.
A constable pointed to the fire
and made a 'down' motion,
so Poiball killed the flames.
Jack Union came charging out,
and for a moment Poiball worried that
he'd knock the poor constable into a wall --
but fortunately, Jack Union tolerated
the arrest, albeit with bad grace.
Poiball heaved a sigh of relief,
not caring who heard him.
He felt grateful as that
he didn't live in any of
those countries where
this crap was normal.
Then an older man in
a blue suit made his way
to the front of the audience.
Dark lines of tā moko covered
the lower half of his face, and so
everyone gave him complete respect.
He called out the preamble to
a famous haka, and the crowd
fell right into place behind him,
following with practiced grace.
The gang formed up behind Poiball,
who was trying not to cry in public,
because a hundred strangers
were doing a haka for them.
He didn't get that kind of honor.
Poiball was well liked in his hapū,
but the other members of his tribe
did not respect him, because he
could never quite keep his nose
clean long enough to earn
his own tā moko, which was
a bitter disappointment to him.
Just watching so many people
dancing for him gave Poiball
a strange warm feeling inside.
After the haka, Poiball
conjured up his fireballs and
did the twirling routine that he had
intended to perform earlier, before
Jack Union had spoiled the show.
Once again, everyone applauded.
Then the older man came over
to hand Poiball a briefcase.
"I'm Arapeta Selwyn, the president
of Kōwhai Finance Limited," he said.
"I believe this belongs to you. I hope that
a hundred thousand dollars will suffice."
"That's more than I meant to ask, aye?"
said Poiball. It was more than double
the average annual salary, and more than
triple the minimum-wage rate that was
all most of gang could hope to earn,
if they could get a job at all, which
they usually couldn't or else they
wouldn't be minions in the first place.
The older man just smiled and
clapped him on the shoulder.
"You deserve it, standing up to
that pākehā like you did," he said.
"Now I know you're not a superhero,
but you did a fine job today. Besides, this
will help redeem my company's reputation.
I fired the offenders, of course, but it's
not that easy to appease the public."
"In that case, I'm happy to help,"
Poiball said, accepting the briefcase.
His minions looked more than satisfied
with the haul -- even divided among
the bunch of them, it would keep
people in feed for quite a while.
The next person who approached
was big and tall, rounded in the way
of so many Maori. Tā moko swirled
over his face, shoulders, and legs. He
held himself like an important person.
"You don't need to give me anything,"
Poiball said. "Mr. Selwyn has been
more than generous today."
Sometimes the audience
went a bit mad throwing stuff
at you if you won a haka mana,
and too much greed could
cross a line into hara.
"I am Irirangi Tai," the man said.
"I have heard much about you, and
I think that you have more honor than
your relatives realize. Come to my place,
Poiball, and I will give you tā moko."
Stunned, the supervillain finally noticed
the mark of a Tohunga Tā Moko, one
who made the sacred tribal tattoos.
That made him suck in his breath,
the offer of all he had desired, and
he wished that his family could have
seen him do something worthy for once,
but he would take what he could get.
Nixon gave him a nudge forward,
and Poiball could also feel Joseph
right behind him on the other side,
both of them offering their support.
"Yes," said Poiball. "Yes, I will come."
"Good," said Irirangi, handing Poiball
a card with his address. "I will make
you something magnificent, and then
everyone will see who you are."
The constable came over then,
to make sure that the haka mana
had been performed properly,
at least on Poiball's side, and
that nobody had gotten hurt.
"All good here?" the cop asked.
"We'll be right," Poiball said.
"I'm afraid I can't say the same
for the drinking fountain, though.
I had to melt the pipe shut."
"No worries, the city will
send the Britannian embassy
a bill for that," the constable said.
"Thank you for stepping up today."
"You're welcome," Poiball said, shivering
a little at the sheer unfamiliarity of a cop
thanking him for doing anything as he
watched the other man walk away.
"We safe, bro?" Joseph asked him.
"Yeah," Poiball said as he headed
back the way that they had come,
briefcase in hand. "It's all good."
* * *
Notes:
Poiball (Kaokao Mau) -- He has tinted skin, brown eyes, and brown hair buzzed short with a short beard. His heritage is primarily Maori and Britannian, with a little other Polynesian thrown in. He speaks English and Maori. He identifies as Maori and is well liked in his hapū (clan). But he can never quite keep his nose clean long enough to build up serious respect, hence his current lack of tā moko (tribal tattoos), which is a disappointment to him.
Young and full of mischief, Poiball started using his fire tricks to distract people while someone else committed a theft. Over time he built up a following and learned to steal on his own. Now he is quite popular. He always delivers an excellent show, his control means that nobody and nothing gets damaged, and he doesn't steal unreasonable amounts. Usually he picks corporations or other targets who have come under public censure recently, so it's as much quasi-illegal protest as plain burglary. On the occasions when Poiball has been captured, his community service has wound up being a series of public performances, without pay. It doesn't take long for the ticket sales to pay off the fines.
Origin: He has always been fascinated by fire. As a teenager, there was an accident during a fire dance and the pavilion caught fire. He rushed forward to help put it out, which worked, but he seemed to set himself alight in the process. Amazingly, he was unharmed, and he gradually learned how to control his abilities.
Uniform: Often shirtless, wearing boardshorts and trainers. He likes paracord and often wears several macrame bracelets. For a planned haka mana, sometimes he dresses in traditional Maori regalia.
Qualities: Expert (+4) Haka, Expert (+4) Thief, Good (+2) Distracting, Good (+2) Memory, Good (+2) Minions, Good (+2) Strong
Poor (-2) No Tā Moko
Poiball has a standard team of nine minions for haka mana, and can summon more from bystanders at Good level.
Powers: Expert (+4) Fire Control (Signature Stunt: Firestopping; Spinoff Stunt: Fire Form)
He usually uses his power to create and direct small balls of fire, similar to a poi dance but without chains. He can also make lines, blades, or sheets of flame. He can turn his body into fire. His fluency with that is lower and he can only hold it for an hour at most, but rarely does so for more than a few minutes.
Motivation: Anyone who makes an arse of himself deserves to get burned.
Hapū is a subtribe, several extended families grouped together.
Tā moko are tribal tattoos that identify family and honor.
Nixon Emery -- He has tinted skin, hazel eyes, and curly brown hair to his shoulders. He has a mix of kirituri (skin art) and European-style tattoos in monochrome climbing over most of his right arm. His heritage is Britannian with some Maori and a few other things thrown in. Fast and imaginative, he is an excellent thief who works for Poiball. However, he has difficulty focusing on long-term goals and easily loses track of less important details.
Qualities: Good (+2) Dreamer, Good (+2) Fast, Good (+2) Gang Lieutenant, Good (+2) Thief, Good (+2) Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Poor (-2) Disorganized
Joseph Tūhoe -- He has tinted skin, brown eyes, and short wavy brown hair. He has a full-color phoenix tattooed over his left shoulder. His heritage is half Maori and half European. When he was 13, his house burned down, killing most of his whānau (extended family) except for two younger cousins who escaped with him. Joseph survived with burn scars on his left shoulder, which he later covered with the phoenix tattoo. Nobody in his hapū (clan) would take him, because they disapproved of his mother marrying a pākehā (outsider). So Joseph was fostered with a New Zealand family of European descent, which was not a great fit. He turned to gang life to recreate the sense of belonging that he felt with his birth family, which makes him intensely loyal to his gangmates. He serves as a bodyguard for Poiball.
Qualities: Expert (+4) Strength, Good (+2) Bodyguard, Good (+2) Kinesthetic Intelligence, Good (+2) Loyal
Poor (-2) Melancholy
Whānau means extended family.
Gangs cause serious problems in New Zealand.
Thomas Milner -- He has tinted skin, brown eyes, and short straight hair of dark brown. His heritage is Britannian and some southern European. Never a good student, he left school as soon as he could, which now makes it difficult to find a job. Thomas works as a lookout in Poiball's gang.
Qualities: Good (+2) Inconspicuous, Good (+2) Observant
Poor (-2) School-Leaver
Rick Linkhorn -- He has tinted skin, black eyes, and short wavy black hair. His mixed-race heritage includes Spanish, Britannian, and Italian with a little Maori. He is short and slender. Rick dropped out of school because he just didn't care about it, and he doesn't care about the impact that has on his life either. Despite his small size, he is quite the scrapper and serves as muscle for Poiball.
Qualities: Good (+2) Courage, Good (+2) Tough
Poor (-2) Sexist
Harry Randell -- He has fair skin, brown eyes, and short wavy black hair. His heritage is primarily Britannian. Harry left school before graduating, and that makes it harder for him to get ahead in life. Fortunately he knows how to get by on the streets without much money. He also enjoys following news and gossip about people with superpowers. Harry belongs to Poiball's gang and does general work there including errands.
Qualities: Good (+2) Poorskills, Good (+2) Soup Fan, Good (+2) Street Smarts
Poor (-2) School-Leaver
Diego Bosque -- He has toffee skin, brown eyes, and short curly hair of dark brown. His heritage is Hispanic. Tall and muscular, he makes a good athlete. Deigo always struggled with academic topics such as math and reading, so he dropped out, but it doesn't bother him because he doesn't want a job in subjects he doesn't do well. Currently he works as muscle for Poiball, but hopes to move on to something better.
Qualities: Good (+2) Athlete, Good (+2) Haka, Good (+2) Optimist
Poor (-2) Academics
Jack Union -- This world-class soup operates openly out of Great Britain. A baron's second son, Jack joined the army in his youth, serving with distinction. He is tall and slender, with a little muscle definition but not beefy. He has pale skin, straight dark brown hair, and blue eyes.
Origin: Jack's latent powers manifested during an intense firefight when he charged an enemy position to rescue his unit. Now in addition to his military work, he sometimes does special missions for the Queen (whom he adores because she reminds him of his grandmother).
Uniform: Standard army uniform; when on a soup mission, he adds a British flag cape.
Qualities: Master (+6) Soldier, Expert (+4) Dutiful, Expert (+4) Hand-to-Hand Combat, Good (+2) Gentleman, Good (+2) Historian, Good (+2) Ruggedly Handsome
Poor (-2) Was That Racist? (often makes oblique, questionable remarks)
Powers: Expert (+4) Strength, Expert (+4) Invulnerability, Good (+2) Adaptation, Average (0) Energy Blast, Average (0) Flight, Average (0) Speed
Motivation: Defend the honor of the United Kingdom.
Arapeta Selwyn -- He has caramel skin, brown eyes, and short gray hair. The lower half of his face is covered with tā moko. He is the president of Kōwhai Finance Limited. A recent scandal involved several bank employees manipulating clients for their own benefit; Arapeta fired them as soon as he found out, but the bank's reputation has still suffered. He has slept poorly since then.
Qualities: Master (+6) Businessman, Master (+6) Grandfather, Expert (+4) Logical-Mathematical Intelligence, Expert (+4) Wealth, Good (+2) Collector of Maori Art, Good (+2) Constitution, Good (+2) Tikanga
Poor (-2) Insomnia
Tikanga is a Maori value that means "the placing into practice that which is correct."
Kōwhai is a vivid yellow wildflower that represents New Zealand.
Irirangi Tai -- He has tan skin, brown eyes, and short straight black hair. He has tā moko on his face, shoulders, and legs. He is tall with big bones, thick muscles, and a lot of fat on his torso. Yet his hands are small and delicate. Irirangi comes from a large, close-knit family. He serves as the Tohunga Tā Moko or tattoo artist for his hapū (clan). He is particularly alert to whanaungtanga, a sense of belonging, and can use his influence to bring people into or out of a group.
Qualities: Master (+6) Whanaungtanga, Expert (+4) Tohunga Tā Moko, Expert (+4) Extended Family, Good (+2) Big and Tall, Good (+2) Dexterity, Good (+2) Emotional Intelligence
Poor (-2) Overweight
Whanaungtanga is a Maori value that means "a sense of belonging."
William Haumaha -- He has tinted skin, brown eyes, and black hair buzzed short. He has tā moko on his left arm. His heritage includes Black Irish and Maori. He speaks English, Maori, and Te Reo Rotarota (New Zealand Sign Language). As the only Hearing member of a Deaf family, he has a bit of a culture gap in dealing with mainstream society. William serves as a constable in Wellington, New Zealand. His tā moko give him status and encourage people to treat him with respect. He excels at self-control and teaching it to others.
Qualities: Good (+2) Constable, Good (+2) Dexterity, Good (+2) Interpersonal Intelligence, Good (+2) Rangatiratanga, Good (+2) Rugby Fan
Poor (-2) Culture Gap
Rangatiratanga is a Maori value of self-control.
Self governance. Being in control. Give them the information to support them to make informed choices. Leading the events, negotiating the rules, determining the outcomes.
New Zealand constables wear a uniform with a pale blue shirt and dark blue pants.
* * *
Kua takoto te manuka
The leaves of the manuka tree have been laid down
This is a form of wero, that is preformed in very formal situations on the Marae. It is when you are challenged and you answer that challenge depending on how pick up the leaves. The wero is to see whether you come in peace or as an enemy. This proverb is used when being challenged, or you have a challenge ahead of you.
-- Maori Proverbs
Kōwhai Finance Limited
125-135, Victoria Street, Te Aro, Wellington
See an overview of the neighborhood.
Kōwhai Finance Limited is a tall building with several businesses on the ground floor. They have a parking garage, a bike store with all kinds of bicycles, the Red Mount Cafe, and a convenience store. There are also lifts and an accessible unisex restroom. Here is the Kōwhai Finance Limited reception. On the wall you can see signs for some of the other businesses sharing the building. The large multipurpose room is on the ground floor alongside the retail space.
Upstairs is the breakroom with kitchen for general staff, public restroom, meeting room, open office floor with a few private offices, and the smaller multipurpose area. The executive floor has meeting rooms with a lounge, a kitchen and dining room, and public restrooms for executives. The boardroom is near the private offices. Arapeta Selwyn's office has a private bathroom.
See the Tuapapa Plaza steps and rock garden with native plants.
Terramagne-New Zealand has many drinking fountains made with Maori-inspired artwork. Tuapapa Plaza had the middle one in green.
The Maori people have a rich culture.
Haka is a vigorous form of dance that is sometimes still performed in traditional regalia. It may be done at weddings, funerals, sporting events, and other special occasions.
Dominant body language includes many features such as staring, making the body bigger, crotch displays, screaming, chest-beating, ground-slapping, tongue-lolling, and eyebrow-raising.
In T-Maori culture, tā moko remains an official part of the culture, a form of insignia worn on the skin. Tā moko can only be applied by tohunga-ta-moko or tattoo specialists. They cannot be purchased at whim; they can only be earned. People of poor reputation may be denied even if their lineage is good. Conversely, even pākehā or outsiders of honor may be offered tā moko on rare occasions. Most iwi or clans allow a choice between the traditional style done with chisels and the modern style done with a tattoo gun, and between natural or synthetic pigments.
For pākehā, there is kirituhi or skin art, a style of tattoo that is visually similar to tā moko but without the clan insignia. Customarily the wearer chooses a symbol for either their home country or the world at large, along with motifs for family members, profession, and other personal meanings. Like tā moko, it can tell a story about the person's life, but the vocabulary is a little different so as to avoid confusion. Some symbols of common interests -- such as New Zealand flora and fauna, relations, and life phases -- may remain the same across the styles.
Choice – Simply means “good” or “cool” and is used similarly to “sweet as”.
Example:
John: Bro, Jen went to buy our movie tickets and the guy gave all of us free popcorn.
Jack: Oh choice! (translation: Oh that’s awesome).
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
Pākehā means outsider, foreigner, or non-Maori. Some people only use it for New Zealand citizens of European descent, some for tourists, and many for literally everyone other than Maori.
Bro – When I’m with my friends I use this in almost every sentence. We use it in place of ‘man’ or ‘mate’ or ‘dude’. It’s not reserved for good friends, you can say it to anyone, like the mailman or a taxi driver. They’ll probably say it back to you.
Example:
Jack: Hey bro how’s it going?
John: I’m all good bro! Did you see Shortland Street last night bro? It was crazy bro!
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
As – We commonly use the word “as” as an amplifier to the preceding adjective. For example, “cheap as” would translate to “really cheap”.
Example:
John: Bro, check out my new polka dot undies. Got them in Howick for 20 bucks.
Jack: Bro, that’s expensive as! (translation: that’s really f*cking expensive).
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
Gap it – Can simply mean “to leave” or can also mean to “run away”.
Example:
John: Bro I saw this guy trying to break into my car.
Jack: Did you catch him?
John: Nah, he gapped it. (translation: no, he ran away)
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
Chocka Block – Crowded/busy
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
What a sad guy – This is said when someone does something super uncool.
Example:
Jack: Bro, when Tim was drunk as last night I put $500 of booze on his credit card.
John: What a sad guy!
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
Here you can see a New Zealand police car and an ambulance with their distinctive markings.
New Zealand uses a dollar as their currency. The median income in New Zealand is around $48,800 a year or $23.50 per hour.
The adult minimum wage rate for employees aged 16 years or older:
$15.75 an hour before tax
$630.00 before tax for a 40 hour week.
Aye (Eh) – Probably impossible to explain, but I will try. It has many different uses so you will need to listen carefully to the pitch, tone and context in which it’s used to decipher the meaning in each particular situation. Also note that the word is pronounced like the letter “A”, not the letter I.
1. Used on the end of a statement to solicit agreement from the other party. Similar meaning to “don’t you think?” or “isn’t it?”
Example:
Jack: It’s pretty hot today aye? (translation: It’s pretty hot today, isn’t it?)
John: Yeah bro, hardout. (translation: Yes, very).
2. Used to express disbelief and/or surprise. You would use a similar pitch and tone to when you say “Really??”.
Example:
Jack: Tim broke his leg at rugby last night and now he’s in the hospital.
John: Aye? (translation: Really!?)
3. Used to express confusion when you’re unsure of why something is happening or when things are not appearing as they should. When used in this context the “Aye” will typically be longer and more drawn out, usually in a slightly higher pitched voice.
Example:
Jack: Bro Mr Tupai said you have to go to his office after school because your exam was so crap.
John: Aaaaaye? (translation: What the hell!?)
4. Used as a filler word, with no real meaning at all.
Example:
Jack: How was Jen’s cupcake party?
John: It was cool aye, I really enjoyed it.
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
A feed – A meal
Example:
Jack: I’m hungry bro.
John: Alright, let’s go for a feed. Macca’s?
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
hara
1. (verb) to be in violation of a tapu, transgress, commit a sin, violate the law, offend - in traditional society the word was used primarily for an offence from the violation of tapu. With the introduction of Christianity, the meaning widened to include sin and deliberate offending, and then offending in violation of rules, regulations and the law.
I mea a Pārao kua hara ia (TP 1/7/1900:4) / Pharaoh said that he had transgressed.
Maori had no concept of that Christian type of sin. The Maori hara (sin) can be an unconscious infringement of tapu. This is because tapu has a collective nature, being the weaving of the gods and described by Patterson as ‘hard mana.’ Tapu is binding as well as bonding with repercussions for the future if transgressed with a ‘hara.’ There is a comparable sense of Christian sin also being unconscious as in the concept of ‘original sin.’ Here the individual is not responsible for the offense as it comes from the first parents. But the sin is atoned for by accepting Jesus as atonement. 214
To be unaware of one’s environment and capable of infringing, meant Maori were encouraged to be aware and practise such virtues as aroha ki te tangata (respect for humanity), manaakitanga (hospitality) and tiakitanga (caring). A popular Maori saying values people above all things.
-- Maori Values Can Reinvigorate a New Zealand Philosophy
In light of Maori values, a more precise translation might be "imbalance." Hara (wrongdoing) is that which is not tikanga (the proper way of life). Virtues guide people in the right direction, vices in the wrong direction; so the pursuit of vice is among the things which can be hara.
All good – This basically means ‘everything’s fine’ or ‘no problem’, and we also use it in place of ‘you’re welcome’ when someone says thank you.
-- Travellers Guide to New Zealand Slang
She’ll be right – “Are the sausages burning?” “Nah, she’ll be right”
When something is going to be okay or alright.
-- 56 Typical New Zealand Slang Words
No worries – “Thanks for that!” “No worries cuz”
This means no problem! If someone helps you and you say thank you they will usually reply ‘no worries’.
-- 56 Typical New Zealand Slang Words
“Safe” is overlooked these days but pretty much means what it means “its okay or all good”.
-- 56 Typical New Zealand Slang Words
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(no subject)
Date: 2018-04-19 04:30 am (UTC)Second:
>>Poiball realized that Jack Union
meant to do some serious harm,
and gapping it now might save
their gang would wouldn't do
anything for their audience --
now also his responsibility.<<
Middle line "their gang would wouldn't do" - did you intend BUT wouldn't do? It would make a lot more sense.
Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-19 05:22 am (UTC)Yay!
They really did come up with a different method than anyone else is using, and they did it by adapting a key cultural concept they already had. <3
>> Jack Union really does come off as a culturally head-blind boor - not for the first time. <<
Yeah, he's a good hammer, but not much else. And that's how some folks in New Zealand tend to view Europeans, butting in where they're not welcome.
>>Middle line "their gang would wouldn't do" - did you intend BUT wouldn't do? It would make a lot more sense.<<
Fixed, thanks.
(no subject)
Date: 2018-04-19 05:16 am (UTC)And I don't think I'm going back to finish it. Two hours of the bludgeoning and building detonations don't stand up next to this.
- Penny
Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-19 05:26 am (UTC)My sympathies.
>> before taking what must've been the fifth break and come here.<<
:D I'm glad I could help.
>> And I don't think I'm going back to finish it. Two hours of the bludgeoning and building detonations<<
The first thing I said about Civil War was, "Well, that's two hours of my life I'm never getting back." Mostly what I've used it for since is a bad example.
However, they got one thing quite right: if you leave your superheroes on duty 24/7 with no mental care, they tend to snap. In that light, two hours of domestic violence is perfectly plausible. :/
>> don't stand up next to this. <<
Aww, shucks. I am delighted that other people enjoy the stuff I write -- especially since part of the inspiration for things like this is the rampant violence and immorality in mainstream entertainment.
(no subject)
Date: 2018-04-19 07:04 am (UTC)HAKA!!! ♫One, two, three, four, five, six, seven eight niiiine (number) TEN PACES! SHOW OFF! ♪ <3 <3 <3
(I like this method of duelling far better than pistols. If that Jack-ass haole (yes, I'm mixing languages but that's the one I *know* and it doesn't require a Mac's keyboard to type :) would simply *leave it* at that instead of trying to actually fight, and tearing up the infrastructure into the bargain... At least he's still got that old British honour thing going and goes quietly when the constables lead him away... *smh* )
That's really quite cool. He goes in to pull a heist, trips over an asshat white cape who goes insanely ballistic, *stops the white cape*, and gets *given* more than what he would've stolen. Karma don't care which side of the tracks you're born on, She cares about malama pono. Doing the right thing. <3
Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-19 07:18 am (UTC)Yes, yes I do.
>> that's at least two white capes who are asshats (Savoir Faire being the other one, IIRC),<<
The Spectrum is much worse than Savoir Faire. He may be a bit of a dilly, but he tends to get the job done and isn't prone to collateral damage. He's annoying, not dangerous.
>> and YA black cape who doesn't just have the honour of a thief, but that of a warrior... <<
Exactly. He's the kind of wild young thing who'll grow out of it and settle in a few years.
>> (I like this method of duelling far better than pistols. <<
It's very effective, at least in New Zealand. It works for exactly the reason rank dynamics evolved in nature: it saves energy and reduces the chance of serious injury.
>> If that Jack-ass haole (yes, I'm mixing languages but that's the one I *know* and it doesn't require a Mac's keyboard to type :) <<
*laugh* Oh, that is brilliant. I love it.
>> would simply *leave it* at that instead of trying to actually fight, and tearing up the infrastructure into the bargain... <<
Exactly. He got in trouble because he wasn't paying attention. It's no secret that New Zealand soups haka for dominance. But not everyone bothers to notice.
One of the things I'd love to do is get Cold Cash down to New Zealand, because with his sense of artistry in ice, he could own it in haka mana.
>> At least he's still got that old British honour thing going and goes quietly when the constables lead him away... *smh* ) <<
Jack Union cares a lot about law and order and propriety. He just has some troubling beliefs about people who stand outside it.
>> That's really quite cool. He goes in to pull a heist, trips over an asshat white cape who goes insanely ballistic, *stops the white cape*, and gets *given* more than what he would've stolen. <<
Well, if you want something to continue, you have to let it work. That means, if the supervillain wins the haka mana, don't be a sore loser. Make it worth his while to follow that custom. In this case, the haul is higher than usual because the company benefits from a public show of goodwill. Most folks will feel they've done enough, and quit shunning them. It serves a social purpose, as well as a practical one.
>> Karma don't care which side of the tracks you're born on, She cares about malama pono. Doing the right thing. <3 <<
Sooth.
(no subject)
Date: 2018-04-20 08:45 pm (UTC)I get the idea that a certain Sintonizao would have a *ball* with this particular mode of cape fight, given her ability. Minus the actual cape, or rather duster, out of respect. Hmm, she and Savvy pairing up on one side of a haka mana, versus someone truly godawful in the evil department, and kicking his butt to the curb... hmm...
Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-20 09:20 pm (UTC)LOL yes.
>> I get the idea that a certain Sintonizao would have a *ball* with this particular mode of cape fight, given her ability. Minus the actual cape, or rather duster, out of respect. Hmm, she and Savvy pairing up on one side of a haka mana, versus someone truly godawful in the evil department, and kicking his butt to the curb... hmm... <<
That's entirely possible. I think Savoir Faire would do well in this context because he's such a swashbuckler, and that lends itself very well to putting on a show.
(no subject)
Date: 2018-04-21 06:03 am (UTC)That *would* be fun.
(no subject)
Date: 2018-04-19 09:56 am (UTC)N.Z is her Maj's favourite country, after Britannia, and she's going to be royally displeased he pissed them off! Which I don't doubt she'll express her displeasure about in a letter to him probably.
I do like this look at PoiBall's homeland, it's interesting seeing more than just 'Planet America' you know. [I'm looking at you Hollywood!]
Well ...
Date: 2018-04-20 10:35 am (UTC)I would expect so, yes.
>> N.Z is her Maj's favourite country, after Britannia, and she's going to be royally displeased he pissed them off! Which I don't doubt she'll express her displeasure about in a letter to him probably. <<
Or right to his face. He is Britannia's lead superhero. She has high expectations of him, which are sometimes met, but he's not Charles, you know? Jack is more prone to going off half-cocked. She won't hesitate to box his ears, but he's a stubborn sod.
Feel free to write that, if you wish. I think you'd do a good job with it.
>> I do like this look at PoiBall's homeland, it's interesting seeing more than just 'Planet America' you know. [I'm looking at you Hollywood!] <<
Yay! :D Terramagne has remained a little more diverse than here, and people cultivate their differences more, precisely so the world doesn't get homogenized and boring. So New Zealand has haka mana, and T-America tends to plant native flowers that make the scenery change as you travel.
union Jack
Date: 2018-04-19 11:27 am (UTC)Furthermore is he actually a hero? He disregards medical neutrality and local customs and thinks he is better thAn everyone else.
Re: union Jack
Date: 2018-04-20 10:23 am (UTC)Well, yes.
>> Furthermore is he actually a hero? He disregards medical neutrality and local customs and thinks he is better thAn everyone else. <<
When someone has a firm hand on the reins, and Britannian troops are pinned down by the Taliban or other bad guys, Jack Union makes a great hero. He's very effective and very picturesque. You can stand him up at patriotic events too. But sodding hell, don't let him take shoreleave alone. He's one of those blokes who could find trouble in the middle of an empty field.
Re: union Jack
Date: 2018-04-21 06:07 am (UTC)Banned from Argo just for "havin' a little fun"... ♪
Re: union Jack
Date: 2018-04-21 07:47 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2018-04-19 02:44 pm (UTC)I liked Poiball and his mates. Even if they're pretty rough, their actions come over well here.
Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-19 07:18 pm (UTC)Yeah, he's good at certain things, but outside his wheelhouse he tends to get in trouble. If you have a nail problem, he's a great hammer, but that's about it.
>> I liked Poiball and his mates. Even if they're pretty rough, their actions come over well here.<<
Yay! :D I'm glad that worked. I think the social context helps them find a way to channel their urge for mischief.
Re: Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-20 08:41 pm (UTC)Union Jack can go jump in the flippin' lake, on the other hand.
hero vs villain
Date: 2018-04-19 05:17 pm (UTC)Brings up an interesting concept of what a hero of villain is.
Jack union here is a lawful evil or neutral type. He sees himself as a hero bc an he fights villains and b. He follows the laws. Maybe bc he doesn't initiate confrontations.
But he is careless w actual impact on the people around him. Both in lives and in structural/financial damage.
Careless w civilians, initiates violence w villains w no need for it, causes damage for 'right' reason.
Poiball however does things for wrong reasons - money, selfishness, self serving - but is very careful w human lives and the impact he leaves on the city around. He apologized for Sealing the Fountain! Which he did to help! He takes responsibility for human lives, is incredibly selfless.
So isn't that a hero acting?
Taking care, protecting others even against your own benefit, not taking advantage...
All hero values.
So - very complicated characters. Uncliche, let's put it that way.
Made me kind of think of LIFC - both the discussion btwn Nat and Coulson about hero's, and Fury - slipping from hero to villain despite not intending to.
Makes me wonder if Poiball may end up a hero w some good influence - he likes the recognition a Lot.
Also got me thinking about how people:s actions can define them more than their goals. Good people doing bad things bc of ignorance or bad teachings or just screwing up.
And if they do, do they remain hero's? And then I recalled that your LIFC fic HAD Coulson screw up in a major way ( and in that fic he is basically the definition of good, gold standard) and bc of how he reacted,to the Jarvis incident in Hairpins, it doesn't read as him being evil, or bad.
So exhoing this fic - intent vs outcome vs reaction to outcome.
Poiball intended financial harm - neg, got an outcome of violent harm - way worse neg, and reacted by trying to fix the situation, prevent more harm - big positive. And resulted in acting like a Hero.
Echoes what I know from BDSM too - it's not never screwing up that makes a good Dom, it's how you react to it after.
Kinda curious now if any of this is used in restorative justice or similar movements.
So, very thought provoking fic.
Re: hero vs villain
Date: 2018-04-20 10:19 am (UTC)Yay!
>> Brings up an interesting concept of what a hero of villain is. <<
That's the idea. The Maori culture draws the line in a very different place, though. It's not about good and evil, it's about what does or does not fit their way of life. Once they created haka mana it became part of their social system. Abiding by it is proper; violating it is improper. It's a lot less about specific behaviors than it is about relationships and social standing.
>> Jack union here is a lawful evil or neutral type. He sees himself as a hero bc an he fights villains and b. He follows the laws. Maybe bc he doesn't initiate confrontations. <<
Lawful neutral. And that's the problem. He's a "just following orders" kind of bloke, and when not under immediate orders, he tends to default along the lines of law and propriety.
>> But he is careless w actual impact on the people around him. Both in lives and in structural/financial damage. <<
Yep.
>> Careless w civilians, initiates violence w villains w no need for it, causes damage for 'right' reason. <<
Those are unfortunately not unique problems. The Spectrum is similar, and so are cowboy cops like Officer RAT.
>> Poiball however does things for wrong reasons - money, selfishness, self serving - but is very careful w human lives and the impact he leaves on the city around. He apologized for Sealing the Fountain! Which he did to help! He takes responsibility for human lives, is incredibly selfless. <<
LOL yes. He's been trying to be good, but he just can't keep it up for long. When he's bad, though, he channels it -- he doesn't hit random targets. He desperately craves a level of social approval that tends to elude him. It makes him a little weird.
>> So isn't that a hero acting? <<
I think so.
>> Taking care, protecting others even against your own benefit, not taking advantage...
All hero values. <<
Once the haka mana starts, the two groups behave like conflicting families or clans. The people in your audience are lending you their power -- they're the ones who decide the outcome of the competition. That makes you responsible for them, as you have effectively become their chosen warband. You can't abandon them.
>> So - very complicated characters. Uncliche, let's put it that way. <<
\o/
>> Made me kind of think of LIFC - both the discussion btwn Nat and Coulson about hero's, and Fury - slipping from hero to villain despite not intending to. <<
I'm pleased by that connection.
>> Makes me wonder if Poiball may end up a hero w some good influence - he likes the recognition a Lot. <<
It's possible. The question is whether he can make it work. As he gets older, it should get easier for him: most folks outgrow their wild youth. I think it would also help for him to have a mentor who counts individual successes rather than all-or-nothing accounts. Poiball can't hold it forever, but he can hold it for a day or a week. Every day he's not out poking trouble with a stick is a good day.
>> Also got me thinking about how people:s actions can define them more than their goals. Good people doing bad things bc of ignorance or bad teachings or just screwing up. <<
The intent and the outcome both matter.
The best is good intent and good outcome.
In between are good intent and bad outcome, or bad intent with good outcome.
The worst is bad intent and bad outcome.
The first is fine on its own. The last three need someone different solutions: Teach the person with good intent to pay attention to outcomes. Encourage the person with bad intent to appreciate good outcomes and aim for them. The person with bad intent and bad outcomes is very hard to dissuade because he's getting what he wants, and it's a toxic desire. You have to get him to see it's toxic and help him set new goals.
>> And if they do, do they remain hero's? And then I recalled that your LIFC fic HAD Coulson screw up in a major way ( and in that fic he is basically the definition of good, gold standard) and bc of how he reacted,to the Jarvis incident in Hairpins, it doesn't read as him being evil, or bad. <<
Sooth.
>> Echoes what I know from BDSM too - it's not never screwing up that makes a good Dom, it's how you react to it after. <<
Agreed.
>> Kinda curious now if any of this is used in restorative justice or similar movements. <<
It can be. Some versions are about expressing emotions, others are more about restoring balance or creating right action. The best programs include a mix of those and other aspects.
>> So, very thought provoking fic. <<
Day = made. :D
(no subject)
Date: 2018-04-19 07:34 pm (UTC)also I am reminded of the time I found a video of an ICE HOCKEY TEAM doing haka, yes, on ice. DAMN. THIGH MUSCLES.
Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-19 10:50 pm (UTC)Thank you!
>> also I am reminded of the time I found a video of an ICE HOCKEY TEAM doing haka, yes, on ice. DAMN. THIGH MUSCLES. <<
Wow. :P,,, I confess that I find haka smokin' hot.
Re: Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-20 10:56 pm (UTC)Re: Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-21 12:38 am (UTC)Re: Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-21 06:19 am (UTC)Competence porn is totally the thing.
*epiphany* *That's* what it is about women bikers and pilots for me. Blasting around on two wheels - or two or four wings - isn't about brute strength. It's about *brains* - staying mentally ahead of your machine so you don't get surprised when something out of the ordinary ends up in your trajectory. <3
Re: Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-22 04:56 am (UTC)Re: Thoughts
Date: 2018-04-22 06:23 am (UTC)It's when the truly unexpected happens (engine out, doofus in the cage backs into your line of travel, SQUIRREL!!) that the forebrain is completely out of the loop and the lizard brain takes over and just *does*. I mean, the forebrain observes, but by the time it has had a chance to register, the hindbrain has already reacted.
It's *still* competency porn, because you have to take the time to *train* the hindbrain as to what to do. You are not going to get all four paws flying to where they need to be in an emergency unless you've practised it many times so that it *becomes* muscle memory. Been there, done that. Nearly despaired of it. But I had one of the best instructors in the biz, and he made me keep at it... and now when the brake lights explode in front of me, the paws are on clutch, brake, and brake before I can think about it, and I've all the time in the world to shift down and set the bike up to start again.
As Laurence Fishburne so eloquently put it, "Prrrrrractice." Both ends of the brain.
(no subject)
Date: 2018-04-19 09:13 pm (UTC)he could and wrapped it around Jack Union.
In the warm air, it was oppressively hot.
Dark orange flames and billowing black smoke
swept in a circle around the supervillain. He
might not be vulnerable to flames, but he also
couldn't see through the smokescreen.
Jack may not be acting like a hero, but did you mean to call him a villain?
Cross-language coding
Date: 2018-04-20 08:23 pm (UTC)Re: Cross-language coding
Date: 2018-04-20 08:26 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2018-04-24 04:02 pm (UTC)