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Wednesday 30 June 2010
Alcoholism, domestic violence, discrimination face Maoris, says NZ author Alan Duff
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A Maori chief seen by Sydney Parkinson, artist on British Captain Cook's expidition to New Zealand
Alexander Turnbull Library
By Imogen Lamb

Domestic violence, being of mixed blood, alcoholism and discrimination are all ingredients in New Zealander Alan Duff's novel Dreamboat Dad. The best-selling writer sets his story among a Maori community in New Zealand - not for the first time.

Famous since the publication of his novel Once were warriors, which was made into a film by Lee Tamahori, Duff continues to write about the problems the Maori face today, and continues to steadfastly refuse to see the Maori as "a colonial casualty".

The Maori can break the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and violence, he says, but only if they start making the most of the opportunities given them.

Dreamboat Dad has just been published in French.

tags : New Zealand
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