On a Maori Marae

As is the case with many countries throughout the world, New Zealand has a large indigenous population with a relatively high incidence of alcoholism. The number of Maori people seeking help, however, has been on the increase in the last couple of years, and I believe this to be a direct result of AA carrying its message into prisons, institutions, hospitals, and schools. The AA Fellowship in New Zealand has also become conscious of the need to reach out to this section of the community in a more personal way, and in June of 1987 the Central Area held its area assembly at Hawera, on a Maori Marae--the sacred meeting house and the heart of Maori culture and life. In July the Northern Area also held its assembly on a Maori Marae, at Kaitaia, in the far north, and I have high hopes that these meetings will be the forerunners of similar meetings throughout New Zealand. The planting of our seeds of hope and recovery are sometimes dependent on the site of their planting, and I believe the Maori Marae to be a very fertile place. It augurs well for the future.