Te Papa insists the request is not an outright ban and is defending the move. But that might be because I know quite a lot about Maori culture." The only person Stuff spoke to who wasn't completely taken aback by the request wouldn't give her name, but said if it was a custom, is should be adhered to. Musician Mike Doherty agreed, saying "you should respect traditions but in this day and age.it's going too far." "They should be able to do what everyone else can." If I were those women, I'd be insulted."īartender Jack Butler said it was wrong to stop pregnant women from doing anything. "That's bloody ridiculous," said businessman Brian Spires. There's so many stupid rules and regulations."Īnd women weren't the only ones getting upset. "You know, they say we have freedom of speech and freedom of movement but we don't.
If a pregnant woman puts herself at risk, in a situation where she could be harmed then that's her choice." Wellington student Alice McKeen was outraged. "How are they going to know anyway? It's not like they can check," said Kate. "But then I probably wouldn't go in because it's cultural and.just awkward." "I'd be like, that is none of your business.
It's just too PC."įriends Megan Turner, Stephanie Luxton and Kate Tarrant called the situation "awkward." "I'd understand if it was on a marae or something, but it's not, it's at the museum. Wellington mother Kirstin Dally said she thought being pregnant was irrelevant "in this day and age." But members of the public spoken to by Stuff were confused, and some outraged, by Te Papa's request.