Mickey's account constructs Maori identity as inherently connected with illicit activities; to speak Te Reo Maori arouses suspicion and equates to "instigating", "planning" or "plotting." Key aspects of Maori culture, namely Te Reo Maori, waiata (song) and haka are prohibited, and this is contrasted with non-Maori activities that are permissible, such as listening to music and playing the guitar.
This was evident in the subjugation of Maori culture and the rejection of the expression of Maori identity in Te Reo Maori, waiata, and haka.