This place has to be seen to be believed! At the back of this shop, which almost exclusively sells possum-related products, is a display about the most noxious of pests: the possum. Introduced from Australia, where it is a protected species, the possum has caused havoc for the native flora and fauna of Aotearoa. However, one could argue that the virulence with which New Zealanders treat this actually-quite-cute little critter is a manifestation
of Pakeha colonial guilt. Some of the displays were kind of amusing in a kitschy way (see the mini pics - 'look two moons'!) but the display cases showing the life-cycle of the possum by means of pickled dead babies was pretty grim. Can't say that it made me want to buy any possum products afterwards! Check out the Bridge of Remembrance too.
2 comments:
While 'one could argue that the virulence with which New Zealanders treat this actually-quite-cute little critter is a manifestation of Pakeha colonial guilt.' It'd be a pretty poor argument.
More like that while it would be fun to hunt elephants and tigers etc it is not the done thing anymore; and even more of an obstacle, there are none living in NZ. Soooo, possums thus fill the role of cannon fodder nicely.
poor possums!
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