New Zealand Identity: Are Māori Kiwis or Something Else?

The concept of identity in New Zealand is multifaceted and often debated. One such discussion revolves around the terms 'Māori' and 'Kiwis.' Understanding these terms can provide invaluable insights into the cultural and social dynamics of New Zealand.

What is a Kiwi?

The term 'Kiwi' originated from the name given to a native bird species found in New Zealand. 'Kiwis' is not a term used to describe people. Rather, it is a colloquial term used to refer to people who live in New Zealand. The Pākehā (New Zealanders of European descent) and Māori alike can all be referred to as 'Kiwis' if they reside in the country. However, the term has historical and colonial connotations for Māori, as it is often used by Pākehā to describe themselves, which can be problematic for Māori.

Māori and Kiwis

Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, do not necessarily consider themselves 'Kiwis.' The term 'Kiwis' is often associated with the Pākehā identity. Māori people consider themselves as 'Whanau' (family) and 'Iwi' (tribe), emphasizing their cultural and ethnic heritage.

Whanau and Iwi

Māori identify strongly with their 'Whanau' and 'Iwi,' which are interconnected cultural and familial identities. 'Whanau' refers to the immediate family and extended family, while 'Iwi' denotes the tribe or iwi, a group of people with shared cultural, social, and historical connections. This identity is deeply rooted in Māori culture and is distinct from the broader New Zealand identity.

Challenges and Confusions

There is often a confusion between the terms 'Maori' and 'Kiwis,' leading to misunderstandings. English people, in particular, often misinterpret 'Kiwis' as referring to the fruit 'Kiwi,' which can be humorous and frustrating. The phrase 'call a fruit Kiwi' is often used to confuse and amuse non-New Zealanders. Additionally, the term 'Pakeha' is more accurate for describing New Zealanders of European descent, as the term 'Kiwis' is generally reserved for people who live in New Zealand.

Living in New Zealand

Being a 'Kiwian' is more about residency and citizenship than the color of one's skin or ethnic origin. As long as a person is a citizen of New Zealand or a long-term resident, they are referred to as 'Kiwis.' This applies to both Māori and Pākehā. However, it is essential to recognize that the term 'Kiwis' is sometimes used by Pākehā to describe themselves, which can be seen as insensitive by Māori.

Transcending Ethnicity

It is important to note that the term 'Kiwian' can transcend ethnic boundaries. Even Māori with Pākehā ancestry, like the author's cousin's children, are still considered 'Kiwis' due to their birth and citizenship. The term 'Kiwian' denotes a shared identity with a common history and cultural experiences in New Zealand, which can be both Māori and Pākehā.

Conclusion

While Māori are Kiwis in the broader sense of living in New Zealand, the term 'Kiwian' must be used responsibly and with an understanding of its cultural nuances. The terms 'Māori' and 'Kiwis' coexist, each carrying significant cultural weight and meaning. Recognizing and respecting these identities can foster a more inclusive and harmonious society in New Zealand.