Ihumātao: Recognising indigenous heritage | Pania Newton | TEDxAuckland

Summary

In this powerful speech, a young Māori advocate shares her journey of protecting ancestral land in Auckland, New Zealand, against a proposed housing development. She reflects on her childhood aspirations to become a lawyer and her commitment to cultural heritage. Emphasizing the significance of the land's history and intangible values, she critiques the imbalance in heritage protection favoring colonial sites over Māori heritage. The speaker calls for action to preserve the land for future generations, highlighting the struggle for justice and the need for community involvement in protecting their cultural identity.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker feels a strong connection to the ancestral land of Eva Motto, which is crucial in the context of a political land struggle in Auckland, New Zealand.
• ⚖️ Inspired by a childhood goal to become a lawyer, the speaker paused their legal career to advocate for justice regarding ancestral lands threatened by development.
• 💪 The speaker co-founded a campaign with family members to protect and preserve the cultural and heritage landscapes at Eva Motto.
• ⏳ Eva Motto is described as the oldest continuously occupied Maori village in Auckland, significant for its historical and archaeological value.
• 🔍 The speaker highlights a lack of balance in New Zealand's heritage protection, with a disproportionate emphasis on colonial structures over Maori heritage sites.
• 🏛️ The current Heritage List in New Zealand primarily features colonial sites, raising questions about national identity and the valuation of indigenous heritage.
• 🚧 A proposed housing development threatens the cultural landscape at Eva Motto, prompting legal action to protect the site.
• 📊 The speaker notes that 95% of applications to modify or destroy archaeological sites are approved, highlighting systemic issues in heritage management.
• ✊ The campaign aims not only to save the land for future generations but also to re-establish gardens and community connections.
• 📢 The speaker calls for public support in the campaign, emphasizing that small actions can contribute to a significant cause and the fight for justice.

Q & A

What is the central issue being addressed in the speech?

The speech addresses the political struggle over ancestral land in Auckland, specifically Eva Motto, which is threatened by a proposed housing development.

How did the speaker's childhood aspirations influence their current activism?

The speaker, who aspired to be a lawyer to make a difference, redirected their career path to activism upon discovering the threat to their ancestral land, demonstrating a commitment to justice and cultural heritage.

What is the historical significance of Eva Motto as mentioned in the speech?

Eva Motto is described as the oldest continuously occupied Māori village in Auckland, significant for its historical gardens that fed the population and its archaeological relevance to human migration.

How does the speaker describe the connection between Māori heritage and the land?

The speaker articulates a deep-rooted connection to the land, emphasizing that it sustains their physical, mental, and social well-being and embodies their cultural identity and ancestral ties.

What concerns does the speaker raise regarding heritage preservation in New Zealand?

The speaker criticizes the unbalanced representation of heritage sites on the national heritage list, noting that over 80% are colonial structures while Māori heritage sites are significantly underrepresented.

What are the intangible values of heritage that the speaker mentions?

Intangible values include the stories, songs, and relationships tied to the land, which foster a sense of belonging and connection, often overlooked in heritage management.

What actions does the speaker encourage the audience to take?

The speaker encourages the audience to support the campaign by raising awareness, writing to local MPs, and engaging in small acts of solidarity for the protection of the land.

What is the significance of the trespass notice mentioned in the speech?

The trespass notice symbolizes the attempt by Fletcher Building Limited to silence the speaker's activism on ancestral land intended for public open space, reinforcing their commitment to fight for justice.

How does the speaker respond to criticisms about their age and experience?

The speaker expresses determination to continue their activism despite being labeled as young and inexperienced, asserting that even small individuals can make a significant difference.

What is the speaker's vision for the future of Eva Motto?

The speaker envisions reclaiming Eva Motto to grow gardens and support the community, emphasizing the importance of preserving the land for future generations while addressing housing issues without sacrificing cultural heritage.