Gift debate sign of maturity, says expert

The debate over the political implications of Polynesian gift-giving and receiving in New Zealand has been welcomed by a Maori cultural expert who says it reflects the maturing of the nation.

The Pacific Island and Maori notions of gift-giving have been highlighted in the case of Taito Phillip Field, stood down from his duties as police investigate allegations he may have taken bribes as an MP.

Mr Field has confirmed that people would at times give him money in his capacity as an MP, and some Maori Party MPs have since said they had similarly received koha.

Dr Paul Tapsell, director Maori at Auckland Museum, said it was important that the political implications of such cultural practices were being investigated so the differing values could be negotiated, and cultural spheres bridged.

"It needs to be clarified so New Zealanders can understand and know the boundaries. This debate is useful."

Dr Tapsell said koha was based on reciprocity, with expectations surrounding the giving and receiving.

"It is about relationships."

He said koha was given not just formally at marae but also more informally on a one-to-one basis although it was never a simple gift because of the inherent obligations. "If [Maori Party leader] Pita Sharples was receiving koha it would be represented in terms of obligation whether it was met tomorrow or in the next generation."

Koha might be refused if the obligations were not welcomed, but in the past such a response could start a war.

A Samoan cultural expert, Pa'u Tafa Mulitalo, said the culture of gift giving in Samoa known as lafo was also about reciprocity and sharing.

Mr Mulitalo said lafo was associated with formal occasion such as funerals, weddings, or community meetings and involved giving of items like fine woven mats to the tulafale (talking chiefs).

Other chiefs might get a similar presentation known as sua.

The sort of cash gifts described by Mr Field at his office better fitted the term mealofa, a non-ceremonial donation in appreciation of a service.

However Mr Mulitalo did not believe that it was intended for government-related work by an MP or public servant.

There was another term, o'o, which meant more extravagant gift giving from an individual, like a chief, to a group.

Such practice was banned in the weeks leading up to Samoan general elections as it could be seen as a way of buying votes.

"Politics in Samoa are different, you can sway a voter overnight."

Mr Mulitalo remained critical of Mr Field for accepting money at his electorate office under the guise of cultural tradition.

While Mr Field had said he would record such payments, it was not clear in the Ingram report into his actions what happened to the money after that, although the MP said any gift of $500 or more would go to a church or charity.

Mr Field has since said money left by visitors to his office was properly receipted and handed on for Labour Party funds.

Mr Mulitalo said in Samoa such donations would be shared and not kept for personal use. "There is an act of bestowing and blessing for the giving and passing it on."

Mr Mulitalo said in Samoa it was usual that MPs gave far more than they ever received. "For an MP a lot is placed on you, that you have to give, and give, and give."