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More than two hundred years after the onset of colonisation, it is becoming clear that traditional Māori society accorded great importance to sexual diversity in all its manifestations. With regard to same sex relationships, there is mounting evidence that these were not only condoned but that they played an important role in the overall structure of Māori society. Evidence today suggests that people in same sex relationships were revered within their communities. Parallel evidence from other countries indicates that a similar situation existed in other indigenous cultures.