Exorcism death reflects lack of cultural understanding, says expert

An expert on Maori culture believes there should be more public discussion on why many Maori are not familiar with their own culture, after the sentencing of five family members for the manslaughter of Janet Moses.

The 22-year-old drowned during a curse-lifting ceremony in Wainuiomata in Lower Hutt two years ago. Water was forced into her eyes and mouth in an effort to flush out demons they believed she was harbouring.

Fifty-year-old John Tahana Rawiri, and his sisters Aroha Gwendoline Wharepapa, 49, Angela Orupe, 47, Glenys Lynette Wright, 53 and Tanginoa Apanui, 43, escaped jail and will serve a mix of community detention and community work.

Justice Simon France told the High Court in Wellington the sentences reflect the fact that none of the group intended to harm Ms Moses and were trying to save her from suspected evil spirits.

He said her death was a product of tragic and random circumstances and not a fanatic ritual.

Rawinia Higgins from Victoria University's Maori Studies Department, says the condition the offenders must attend a tikanga Maori course or similar cultural programme raises some bigger questions and it is sad some Maori are being forced to learn their culture through a course.

Dr Higgins says it appears the judge felt there were inadequacies in the group's knowledge and understanding of their own culture.

- NEWSTALK ZB