Once Were Warriors

“So it [the newly laid concrete footpath] looked no different to the area, the tone of Pine Block: neglected, run-down, abuse. And, you know (a woman’d have to think had to find the right word), prideless. Made her want to weep sometimes. And not so much for her as for her kids. Their future. If you could call it that.”

Beth’s description of Pine Block is a reflection not only of their environment but also of the people who inhabit the neighborhood. As someone who’s lived in Pine Block for almost half her life, Beth does not see the possibility of a better life for children outside of the squalor they currently face. This sets up a conflict for narrative development: Change does come, and she is instrumental in it later in the narrative, though at a great personal loss.

“Still, that didn’t stop a sister loving him, maybe she loved him more for being a sort of freak, a standout from the rest of the Pine Block roughies, let alone a son of Jake. Boys: they make such a big deal of being tough. It’s the most important thing in the world to em. Specially Maoris. Not that the Pakeha boys at school are that much better. They’re all stupid. Even that cop standing over there with his sleeves rolled up, arms folded, face set in concrete trying to act tough. It’s males. Grace was sure of it.”

Grace’s observation in the passage showcases how a patriarchal perception of male strength is entrenched in the community from a very young age. Though strength is valued throughout the community, the focus goes beyond appreciation and, as is the case for Boogie, becomes an alienating factor in the community.

“She told them the Maori of old had a culture, and he had a pride, and he had warriorhood, not this bullying, man-hitting-woman shet, you call that manhood? It’s not manhood, and it sure as hell ain’t Maori warriorhood. So ask yourselves what you are.”

This passage reflects the uncertainty that the Māori of Pine Block face when having to define their cultural identity and the distortion that occurs through misunderstanding the tenets of being Māori. While Beth herself is capable of saying what Māori warriorhood isn’t—that is, domestic violence—the true meaning of the term and tradition is only understood once she and the other members of her community reconnect with Māori elders who teach of their history and culture.