oceania

Sorry I can't answer your question, but I just wanted to say that that's some Dirt_Owl lore I was unaware of!

For what it's worth, apart, of course, from tā moko, it always seemed to me like some aspects of Maori culture could be seen among the pakeha, and it never felt like blond cornrows. I suppose the only person who could answer that question would be someone of Maori descent. I reckon it would certainly be bad if you hadn't at least grown up in Aotearoa, though.

I loved every single moment I spent out there in Dunedin, truly the least bad western country. Miss it every day.

Unrelated to your post but my boss is from New Zealand and I'm wondering what I can say to annoy her? I've just been left making jokes about the Commonwealth in general.

Speaking with a Maori friend on this, and as someone of pakeha descent myself, Its generally ok for Pakeha to wear generalised NZ symbols as long as they aren't those of a particular nation (Iwi) and you're actually wearing them honorably as they should be worn.

Just be aware, you're representing both Pakeha and Maori and should show due deference and respect to the traditions you've adopted. Some Maori might still disagree but you're just gonna have to wear it.

A greenstone should only be worn as a deeply special gift, and I think this counts.

I'm Australian/white and my predominantly Māori/Pasifika team of coworkers got me a greenstone as a sendoff present when I left the workplace. So I don't think there's any issues with it