Dame Elizabeth Rata: Episode 4 - Secularism and Moral Instruction

In the video below, Episode 4 explains why public schools were secular. The purpose was to create a tolerant and cohesive civil society for New Zealand's liberal democracy. Secularism was neither pro-or anti-religion.

John Robertson: Secularism by Exception - Why New Zealand Needs One Rule for All

New Zealand likes to tell itself a comforting story: that we are a modern, secular democracy where the state stays neutral and citizens are free to believe - or not believe - without pressure. In theory, that sounds right. In practice, it increasingly feels untrue.

Across schools, councils, universities, hospitals, courts, public workplaces, environmental law, research funding, museums, and national ceremonies, a single belief system has been given a status no other belief enjoys. Māori spiritual concepts—tikanga Māori (customary rules), wairuatanga (the spiritual dimension), mauri (life force), tapu (sacred restriction), and related ideas—are routinely embedded into public institutions. Participation is expected. Opt‑outs are rare or non‑existent. Questioning it is discouraged. Compliance is assumed.

John Robertson: The integration of Maori spirituality and cultural practices into New Zealand's public life

Whether it's through compulsory participation in haka dances, karakia (prayers), or nose rubbing ceremonies—poses a serious challenge to the country's secular values. While proponents argue that these are cultural practices rather than religious rituals, the reality is more complex. Māori spirituality is deeply intertwined with its culture, and many practices, such as the haka, are not just dances but spiritual performances with clear religious significance. These rituals invoke ancestral spirits, channel supernatural power, and tie individuals to a broader spiritual world, which no one should be coerced into participating in, regardless of their personal beliefs or background.