Maori and alcohol: a reconsidered history

Objective: To document aspects of the history of alcohol use among Maori, w ith a particular focus on the period from 1840 to 1872 and to identify pote ntial use of this knowledge in the development of strategies for the preven tion and treatment of alcohol-related harm among Maori in contemporary New Zealand. Method: A survey of the surviving documentation about alcohol in nineteenth -century New Zealand; materials were predominantly drawn from the writings of pakeha (non-Maori) missionaries, officials and travellers, as well as av ailable statistical records. Results: Analysis of early written historical records suggests significant variation in the response of Maori to the introduction of alcohol in differ ent parts of New Zealand during the period following European contact. Conclusions: One stereotype that has arisen suggests Maori have been incapa ble of and/or unable to manage the production and use of alcohol. On the ot her hand, another commonly held belief has been that Maori supported abstin ence or 'resisted alcohol' because they recognised its 'ruinous nature' and because it was contrary to traditional custom and practices. Historical in formation indicates that the Maori response to the introduction of alcohol was in fact diverse and for much of the nineteenth century alcohol was non- problematic for many Maori. This reinterpretation of the historical record can potentially empower contemporary Maori to take greater responsibility f or the use of alcohol. It also challenges the negativity of the stereotypes generated by historical misinformation.