1A look at the relationship of Maori spirituality and culture to Christianity. In recent years, many Maori have expressed the feeling that the early missionaries to New Zealand were responsible for the conflicts and pressures they feel today. They feel that scant regard was expressed for the culture of the people they were trying to convert. However, others feel the Church is not to blame, saying it never intended to coerce the Maori into adopting an alien culture and values system.