Māori World Lecture 5

Lecture Overview

This lecture focuses on the search for Māori political independence and the establishment of Māori parliaments, exploring historical movements and contemporary implications. It outlines the concept of Mana Motuhake, defining it and discussing various significant movements in the Māori political landscape.

Introduction to Māori Political Independence

  • The lecture begins with a focus on the Māori search for political independence, particularly the aspiration for a Māori parliament.

    • Often, Māori political studies emphasize engagement with the settlers' parliament, neglecting the indigenous historical context of Māori governance.

    • Acknowledgment of the historical presence of Māori political structures, councils, and parliaments before colonization.

Defining Key Terms

  • Mana Motuhake: This term combines two concepts:

    • Mana: Refers to spiritual power and authority, derived from ancestral and divine sources.

    • Motuhake: Translates to independence or standing alone.

    • In summary, Mana Motuhake embodies the idea of independent Māori authority and governance. The right to stand alone as a people

Overview of Māori Political Movements

The lecture discusses four main movements evolving from early Māori parliaments to modern-day political aspirations:

1. Te Whakaminanga and Te Hakaminanga

  • Briefly introduced as the foundational movements. Discussed within the context of the genealogy of Māori parliaments, these movements set the stage for future political structures.

  • Emphasized previous brief discussions on these topics, reminding students not to obsess over details not relevant to imminent tests.

2. Kohimarama Conference

  • Held at Mission Bay, organized by Governor Gore Browne in 1860.

  • Aimed to secure pro-government support amid potential uprisings from the King Movement (Kingitanga) during growing dissatisfaction and unrest amongst Māori groups.

    • Over 200 rangatira attended to discuss the nature of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) and the assertion of Māori independence.

  • Although the governor intended to diminish support for the King Movement, the gathering also served as a platform for Māori leaders to express and discuss their political desires, leading to the emergence of independent Māori governance aspirations.

3. Kingitanga Movement

  • Emerged in response to decreasing land ownership and political representation. It aimed to establish a Māori monarchy similar to other Pacific nations, united under the leadership of a king.

    • Pōtatau Te Whirowhiro was appointed as the first Māori king.

    • Influenced by the need for cohesion against settler encroachments, the movement emphasised the importance of maintaining mana and land.

    • Symbolized a collective identity for Māori across various iwi, despite internal disagreements.

  • Important to note the dynamics of power in this movement:

    • Although extensive discussions occurred leading to the formation of the Kingitanga, many rangatira declined leadership positions, reflecting local authority structures.

    • This movement emphasised unity against the rising settler government but also underscored the need for regional autonomy.

    • “Kingitanga” means Kingship, king movement or the selection of a Maori King.

4. Te Kotahitanga

  • Formed in the late 19th century, this was the last significant Māori parliament attempt before the 20th century, instituting intertribal unity and sovereignty advocacy.

    • Established through a series of hui across the country, Te Kotahitanga sought self-determination and the affirmation of the Treaty.

    • Gained over 21,000 signatures for their petition, demonstrating widespread support among Māori.

  • Engaged with settler politics, some factions wanted to work with the settler parliament while others advocated for complete independence, highlighting division among iwi.

  • Ultimately, it proved unsustainable due to logistical challenges and the co-opting of members by settler politics.

  • “Kotahitanga” means unity or oneness, meaning coming together.

Characteristics of Māori Political Expression

  • Unique features of Māori political expression include:

    • Rūnanga: Councils acting as primary collective decision-making bodies.

    • Hui: Gatherings facilitating democratic discussion and consensus.

    • Hikoi: Symbolic marches that assert and demonstrate political action and unity.

    • Symbolic gestures: Rich in culturally specific meanings, such as the gifting of a Mere Pounamu to convey political notions.

    • Language: Integral to political communication; speeches, proverbs, and ceremonies serve to maintain political significance within the culture.

Contemporary Implications

  • The lecture concluded with a discussion on the lessons learned from the history of Māori political movements:

    • Persistence for independent governance continues, with current movements advocating for a Māori presence in modern governance paradigms.

  • Whakapapa: The significance of genealogical connections in Māori solidarity and governance; essential for long-term political sustainability.

  • The need for Māori governance structures that reflect the values and systems established by ancestors, advocating for power decentralization across iwi and hapū, avoiding centralized leadership models similar to Western structures.

Conclusion

  • The enduring legacy of the Kingitanga demonstrates a functional model for Māori autonomy, rooted in whakapapa and community participation.

  • The exploration of Māori politics reveals complex historical interactions with settler governance while reaffirming the importance of cultural identity and independence within a contemporary context.