Ditching tokenism

‘‘I should say at the outset to avoid any confusion that I believe Kaupapa Ma¯ ori to be correct.

It follows from this that we ought to integrate Te Reo Ma¯ ori, tikanga Ma¯ ori, and matauranga Ma¯ ori into New Zealand public life.

This is a sentiment I am almost certain is shared by many of my fellow Pakeha.

The crucial difference here however, is that I would charge the prevailing move in this regard by many Pakeha to be nothing but pure tokenism.

What I mean by this is such things the addition of a karakia before a meeting where it is mumbled out by (usually slightly embarrassed) Pakeha who know nothing of the meaning or purpose behind the words they are uttering.

I think the problem runs far deeper than merely mispronunciation of Te Reo or a lack of cultural context however.

The issue is this – the basis from which almost all Pakeha approach and engage with Te Ao Ma¯ ori is fundamentally flawed.

Given the post-left/postmodern zeitgeist, most Pakeha are engaging with Te Ao Ma¯ ori only to avoid ridicule, ostracisation, or shame (though they may delude themselves otherwise).

To make the point absolutely clear, there are elements in tikanga Ma¯ ori that are rather socially conservative.

When is the last time you heard a Pakeha advocate for these however?

If we support Kaupapa Ma¯ ori, then we have to go all the way.

Not some of the way, not with tokenism, but with a genuine desire informed by an understanding of Te Ao Ma¯ ori as it actually is and not how the post-left/postmodernists idealise it.

I should also add that this will clearly conflict with other aims of the post-left in New Zealand such as supporting massive immigration and the idea of ‘tolerance’ (understood from the post-left perspective as allowing segregated cultural groups to emerge and thrive).

As a country, if we are honest with ourselves we must either therefore embrace cultural and social conservatism – or abandon Kaupapa Ma¯ ori.

Sadly, I think further tokenism and half-measures will be the calling card of New Zealand in the years to come.’’

Charles Rothstein, Dunedin