Land of the Long White Cloud | Episode 4: Pākehā Paralysis | RNZ

Summary

The video script explores the complexities of racism and cultural integration in Tauranga, New Zealand. It highlights the challenges faced by individuals navigating between Māori and Pākehā identities, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting Māori traditions and language. The speaker reflects on personal experiences, discusses the concept of 'Pākehā paralysis,' and calls for a collective effort to build a more inclusive society where Māori and non-Māori can engage in meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Growing up in Tauranga, one can be completely disconnected from Māori culture, highlighting societal racism.
• 🔄 The damage of colonization is undeniable, necessitating an honorable and committed relationship between Māori and non-Māori.
• 🏞️ The speaker spent significant time at Te Whetū-o-te-Rangi Marae, reflecting a deep connection to Ngāti Pūkenga iwi and Māori education.
• 🔤 The speaker's surname, Hotere-Barnes, symbolizes the merging of Māori and Pākehā heritages, reflecting a treaty relationship.
• 🤔 The speaker began to feel different at age 12, questioning their place between Māori and Pākehā communities.
• 📚 The speaker's professional and personal life is shaped by research on how Pākehā can work with Māori in mutually beneficial ways.
• 🗣️ Increasing numbers of non-Māori are learning Te Reo, but it's important to reflect on the reasons behind this trend.
• 🔍 There is a need to understand when and why to use Māori customs like tikanga and karakia to avoid losing their meaning.
• 😨 Many non-Māori fear using Te Reo incorrectly, leading to inaction and what the speaker calls 'Pākehā paralysis'.
• 💬 Building trust in relationships with Māori is crucial to overcoming fear and creating meaningful dialogue.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed by Alex in the script?

The main issue discussed by Alex is the presence of racism in Tauranga and the need for a committed relationship between different ethnic groups to address the damage of colonization.

What is the significance of Te Whetū-o-te-Rangi Marae in the script?

Te Whetū-o-te-Rangi Marae is significant as it is a place where Alex and his twin brother spent a lot of time, attending kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa, and bilingual education, indicating its importance in their cultural upbringing.

What does the term 'Hotere-Barnes' represent in the script?

The term 'Hotere-Barnes' represents the merging of two cultures and families, with 'Hotere' being from Alex's wife's side, symbolizing her integrity and people, and 'Barnes' representing Alex's own heritage.

At what age did Alex start to feel different and why?

Alex started to feel different at around age 12 when he realized he didn't have any Pākehā friends and began to feel anxious about not fitting in with either Māori or Pākehā.

What is the purpose of Alex's research into how Pākehā can work with Māori?

The purpose of Alex's research is to explore how Pākehā can work with Māori in mutually beneficial ways and to understand how to be an honorable Pākehā in the context of a treaty relationship.

Why is the increase in non-Māori learning Te Reo and enrolling in Māori language programs a point of discussion?

The increase is discussed to highlight the need for introspection among non-Māori about their motivations for learning Te Reo, questioning whether it is out of genuine interest or simply because it is expected.

What is the importance of understanding 'tikanga' in the script?

Understanding 'tikanga' is important because it helps non-Māori to engage appropriately with Māori customs and traditions, and to avoid misappropriation or misunderstanding of cultural practices.

What does the term 'Pākehā paralysis' refer to in the script?

The term 'Pākehā paralysis' refers to the fear and anxiety experienced by Pākehā when engaging with Māori culture, leading to inaction due to the fear of making mistakes or being tokenistic.

How does Alex suggest overcoming 'Pākehā paralysis'?

Alex suggests overcoming 'Pākehā paralysis' by acknowledging the fear, understanding that making mistakes is part of the learning process, and building trust through genuine relationships with Māori and remembering one's intentions.

What is the role of non-Māori in the vision of a new way of being together as described in the script?

The role of non-Māori is to engage in a respectful and understanding manner with Māori culture and history, to learn from Māori without claiming to be experts, and to contribute to a shared vision of unity and respect.

What are some indicators of racism mentioned by Alex in his experiences?

Some indicators of racism mentioned by Alex include being listened to more in meetings because of his appearance and social status, and being treated preferentially in social settings when with Māori friends.