Beyond the text

We've studied three poems which show how different cultures have different vaules, and perceive the land and its use in different ways. This is important to New Zealanders, because it has led to conflicts over the years since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. This can still be seen today, for example in current news stories.

There are many other historical examples of differing cultural values leading to conflict, for example Bastion Point, the Raglan golf course, or the foreshore and seabed controversy.

These poems also relate to the growing concern over the destruction of the environment. Everyone is now familiar with terms such as "global warming" and "carbon footprint". The popularity of these ideas can be seen in TV programmes like "Wasted". Another example that illustrates the ideas in "The Sea, to the Mountains, to the River" is Graeme Sydney's painting "Timeless Land", which he defaced to show the destruction of natural beauty by man.

Another common theme in the poems is the "taming" of the land by men. Glover's poem "The Road Builders" celebrates the fact that man has tamed the land. It almost sounds as if he was writing about the new Northern Gateway motorway - an impressive feat of engineering. On the other hand, Taylor's poem "The Womb" implies that the land can't be tamed. When he says "the fires of Ruapehu still live", it brings to mind the recent activity at the mountain. Although it's a popular holiday resort, we have never really tamed it, as shown when a man crushed by falling rocks had to have part of his leg amputated.

How else do these poems illustrate current issues in race relations, the environment, etc? If you have any other ideas, post them in the comments.