Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai ki Māori 233: Tikanga – Ancestral Ways in Modern Times
Tikanga, the customary system of values and practices that have developed over time and are deeply embedded in the social context, are dynamic and creative, constantly changing over time. During this course we will:
• explore how tikanga Māori have evolved since the first arrival of the tūpuna in Aotearoa from the Pacific, and the arrival of settlers from Europe, Asia and elsewhere
• trace historical debates among Māori and with other New Zealanders; and
• reflect upon how tikanga Māori might contribute to pathways into the future.
This course will trace topics of contemporary interest such as land use, the sea, kinship, gender relations, justice, health and economics, and explore historical debates and reflect upon possible futures. Particular focus will be on kaitiakitanga and how it is practiced, mana wahine, tikanga wahine and the importance of complementarity within te ao Māori.
Every effort will be made to link the course with contemporary challenges and the interests of students, and to foster participatory learning.
Students will be encouraged to carry out their own inquiries and research into topics of personal and professional interest. The course will be evidence-based, drawing on early Māori manuscripts, tribal histories and oral accounts, early European accounts, reports to the Waitangi Tribunal and contemporary debates and discussions.