In the target article of this issue, Professor Hook (2009) comprehensively reviews the “warrior gene” debate. The hypothesis that Māori are genetically predisposed to risk-taking, violence and criminal behaviour has sparked controversy and debate amongst Māori and Scientist alike. Hook demonstrates that the view is unsupported by the scientific evidence to date. The present commentary raises the question of how Māori are to deal with ideas that are ultimately un-evidenced yet are presented as being representative of Māori, potentially leading to harmful misconceptions.