'Ugly' stamps anger Maori

Rotorua stamp collector Don Ion wants New Zealand Post to withdraw this set of Maori stamps. Picture / Daily Post

Maori enraged over "ugly" postage stamps depicting cartoon kapa haka performers are trying to prevent the series' release.

They say New Zealand Post's new Maori performing arts stamps depict Maori in a negative light.

Rotorua stamp collector Don Ion has also criticised the stamps and wants them withdrawn.

However, New Zealand Post describes the stamps as a fresh and contemporary interpretation of kapa haka, and plans to release them on June 7.

Mr Ion said the "disgusting" stamps made New Zealand the laughing stock of the world.

Te Arawa kaumatua Anaru Rangiheuea and Rotorua kapa haka performer Anaru Grant, whose image appears in promotional material for the series, also want them withdrawn.

The five cartoon-style stamps depict Maori in a range of kapa haka stances.

Mr Ion, a former Rotorua stamp and coin shop owner and a stamp collector for more than 60 years, said the series was in bad taste.

The stamps ridiculed Maori, Mr Ion said.

"The cartoon-type characters depicted are culturally insensitive.

"The details are inaccurate. The designs are ridiculous and out of proportion with bulging muscles."

Mr Ion said he was concerned the stamps would be seen around the world.

"There would appear to have been little consultation with Maori on the production of these 'jam labels' which will make us the laughing stock of the world."

Mr Rangiheuea believed the stamps were stupid and insensitive.

"I don't think Maori should be portrayed like that ... Even the colours are all wrong.

"They are modern hand-drawn and not symbolic of Maori. They look cheap and ugly. They should be proper photographs.

"Maybe they could have taken photos of different marae, with the permission of the tribe, or proper cultural performers, not stupid comic strips."

New Zealand Post stamps general manager Ivor Masters said representatives from national museum Te Papa and Te Puni Kokiri, the Ministry for Maori Development, were consulted on the stamps.

Mr Masters said the Maori performing arts stamps offered "a wonderful opportunity" to celebrate an art form that was "totally unique" and of great cultural significance to New Zealanders.

"We think the images by a young, local artist are a fresh and contemporary interpretation of kapa haka."

- DAILY POST