Rediscovering Aotearoa: Mātauranga | Knowledge

Summary

The video script features a conversation between Safari Hynes and Peter McKenzie as they walk through Wellington, reflecting on the lack of recognition for Māori narratives in public memorials and statues. They discuss the historical inequities and the need for equal representation, questioning the current focus on European figures and advocating for Māori voices to determine their own recognition. The dialogue highlights the importance of oral history and the desire for a living connection to Māori heritage, beyond mere statues.

Takeaways

• 🗿 The script discusses the statue of Kupe and his wife, a tohunga, highlighting their historical significance in Aotearoa, predating Captain Cook and Abel Tasman.
• 🏛 There is a focus on the lack of recognition for Māori narratives in public memorials, with only 10 out of 110 statues in Wellington representing Māori perspectives.
• 👤 Peter and Safari, the speakers, express their limited knowledge about certain historical figures, indicating a broader societal gap in understanding Māori history.
• 🏡 The conversation touches on the controversial nature of memorializing figures like William Wakefield, who was involved in the purchase of Wellington from local Māori, a transaction that is much disputed.
• 🌿 Safari Hynes introduces himself, sharing his Māori heritage, tribal affiliations, and the importance of his祖先' connection to the land.
• 🌊 Peter McKenzie shares his own heritage, with roots in New Zealand's South Coast and a family history tied to Canterbury and Australia.
• 📚 Both speakers are students at Victoria University, studying fields that reflect their commitment to Māori language, law, and social advancement.
• 📝 Safari wrote an open letter to the mayor about the lack of Māori recognition in statues, advocating for a more balanced representation of history.
• 👑 The script critiques the presence of Queen Victoria's statue and the broader implications of colonialism, including the theft of land and cultural erasure.
• 🏙️ It is suggested that instead of statues of foreign figures, monuments to local Māori ancestors like Hamuera Tamahou Mahupuku should be erected to honor their contributions.
• 🔄 The conversation emphasizes the need for Māori to have autonomy in determining how their narratives are recognized and the importance of oral history in this process.

Q & A

Who is the statue of Kupe, his wife, and the tohunga a representation of?

The statue represents Kupe, his wife, and the tohunga, who were significant figures in the discovery of Aotearoa (New Zealand) long before the arrival of Captain Cook and Abel Tasman.

What is the significance of the memorial for William Wakefield discussed in the script?

The memorial for William Wakefield is a point of discussion for the characters, who question the extent of his recognition and his role as a settler involved in the disputed purchase of Wellington from local Māori.

What does Safari Hynes express concern about regarding the recognition of Māori narratives in Wellington?

Safari Hynes expresses concern about the lack of recognition for Māori narratives in the form of statues, noting that out of 110 memorial sculptures in Wellington, only 10 are anchored in Māori thought.

What is Peter McKenzie's perspective on the recognition of Māori narratives in public spaces?

Peter McKenzie acknowledges the importance of recognizing Māori narratives and suggests that the government should provide resources for Māori to determine who and how to recognize in public spaces.

What is the purpose of the open letter written by Safari Hynes to the mayor?

The open letter written by Safari Hynes to the mayor discusses the lack of recognition for Māori narratives in the form of statues and calls for a more equitable representation of Māori history and culture.

What is the role of the Māori language policy called Te Tauihu mentioned in the script?

Te Tauihu is a Māori language policy aimed at promoting the use of the Māori language. However, Safari Hynes argues that the policy should encompass more than just the language itself, it should also include the broader cultural narratives.

What does Safari Hynes suggest as an alternative to the statue of Queen Victoria?

Safari Hynes suggests that instead of having a statue of Queen Victoria, who represents colonial history, there could be a statue of the first Māori king, which would be a more appropriate representation of local history.

What is the significance of the statue of Kupe and his wife in the context of the script?

The statue of Kupe and his wife symbolizes the early discovery of Aotearoa by Māori and serves as a reminder of the rich history and culture that predates European colonization.

What does Safari Hynes propose regarding the naming of streets and public spaces after Māori ancestors?

Safari Hynes proposes that streets and public spaces should be named after Māori ancestors to pay homage to their contributions and to ensure that Māori narratives are equally recognized in public spaces.

What is the role of the character John Howard Wallace in the script?

John Howard Wallace is an ancestor of Peter McKenzie who came to New Zealand on one of the first ships and was a successful businessman in Wellington. Streets in the area are named after him, reflecting his impact on the region.

What is the underlying message of the script regarding the recognition of Māori history and culture?

The underlying message of the script is the call for equal recognition of Māori history and culture in public spaces and narratives, as well as the need for non-Māori, particularly the government, to support this process without imposing their own perspectives.