Tattooed ex-con becomes New Zealand librarian

VALIS writes “”A web of tattoos on Haki Tahana’s hand and a cluster of stars on his face reveal a past that includes prison. But to visitors to Whangarei public library, this untypical librarian is softly spoken and helpful – one elderly Pakeha book-lover greets him enthusiastically with the words: “Hello, my knowledgeable friend”. The whole nifty story at the New Zealand Herald.

[nb: ‘Pakeha’= New Zealander of European descent. Ngati Pikiao and Ngati Maniapoto are Maori iwi (tribes).”

August 11, 2004 by Uncategorized 2

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2 Responses

  1. GregS* says:
    August 11, 2004 at 7:23 pm

    key to success
    He’s got a good smile, makes a big difference. The tattoos sound like he is more intimidating than he is.

    Reply
  2. Cyberpunk Librarian says:
    August 11, 2004 at 10:45 pm

    Tats

    Anyone ever seen traditional Maori inkwork? That can be some beautiful stuff rivaling even the work of Samoan tattoo artists. Do a search on Google Images if you’re interested. If you’re into tattoos at all and wonder where the look and style of the so called “tribal tattoo” came from, it came from Polynesia and New Zealand.

    Besides, it’s tradition in many Polynesian cultures for people, especially warriors and leaders, to have facial tattoos.

    Reply

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