Censored!!
On May 30, 2005 we received email from an organization in Kaikoura, New Zealand, telling us that we didn't have permission to use photographs of Takahanga Marae on our web site. We had intentionally avoided taking picures of the people or buildings, but were told at the time that taking photos of the statues on the grounds was acceptable. We innocently replied to the email asking how we would go about getting permission to display our photo, and explaining the motives for our web site. We thought that because we were simply relaying the positive experiences that we had had in Kaikoura, there wouldn't be a problem. (The photo is of a green lawn with a picket fence, a few small trees, and three statues). We got a response telling us in no uncertain terms that we had offended the organization by posting the image. We were told that permission to use the photograph will never be granted to us. We still don't know who the organization represents, and whether or not they have the authority to demand that we remove the image. But we are doing so on good faith. For a community which gets much of its income from tourism (whale watches, cultural tours, etc.) the attitude portrayed in their response seems xenophobic.
We want to make it clear that Maori Tours Kaikoura, with whom we had taken the cultural tour, had nothing to do with the request to remove the photo.They remain friends of ours, and we would highly recommend their company to anyone sightseeing in the Kaikoura area.
The entire email exchange regarding the photo is attached below (only edited to remove names and contact information).
----- Original Message -----
From: XXXX XXXXXXX
To: steph@craigandstephsvacations.com
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 11:41 PM
Kia Ora
I am unaware that you have been given permission to use images of Takahanga Marae in Kaikoura on your website. Please remove!
XXXX XXXXXXX
Administration
From: Stephanie
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2005 10:26 AM
To: XXXX XXXXXXX
Subject: photograph of sculptures on Takahanga Marae grounds
Hello XXXX,
We must admit that we are very surprised by this request. When we first receieved your email, we weren't even positive which photo you were referring to. We can only assume that you are talking about the photograph of the sculptures on the grounds of the marae? How would we go about requesting permission to use it? We are a non-commercial site which consists of our personal travelogues and photos. We very much respect the Maori community and culture, and did not know that posting an image of the grounds of the marae which we had taken ourselves is not allowed. We had a great time in Kaikoura, and were trying to spread the word about what an interesting place it is culturally. If nothing else, we hoped that it might inspire others to visit this place. Maurice had specifically asked us not to take a picture of the meeting house. We complied with this request, but we did take a couple of photos of the sculptures. We did not know that there would be a problem with posting these.The trip was two years ago, and we don't understand why this is an issue all of a sudden. Please advise as to how we might go about formally requesting permission to use our photo on our web site.
Thanks,
Stephanie and Craig
www.craigandstephsvacations.com
From: XXXX XXXXXXX
Sent: Monday, June 20, 2005 11:01 AM
Subject: RE: photograph of sculptures on Takahanga Marae grounds
Importance: High
Tena Korua Stephanie and Craig
Takahanga Marae and grounds is the home of the Ngati Kuri people – it is private property! No photographs/videos are to be taken of any part of our home, buildings and grounds without written permission. I am sure you would be offended if strangers went into your home, took photos and published them on a web site without you knowing. We are extremely offended. If we feel it necessary to inspire people to visit us then that is up to us, not you! It has not been an issue “all of a sudden”, it has been an ongoing concern and one that we are working to remedy.
You are required to remove all images of Takahanga Marae complex and grounds from your web site immediately. Permission is NOT and won’t be granted!
XXXX XXXXXXX
SECRETARY