key themes

Question 1

mana wahine

Answer 1

• a term used to describe the inherent strength, power and authority possessed and excercised by wahine
• can be used to reaffirm the prestige and standing of maori women within their communities, in both historical and contemporary contexts
• can also be used as a title for a significant wahine
• gender was not a determinative feature of mana in pre-colonial maori society
• term may have not been used before colonisation as it was simply assumed all people, regardless of gender, had mana

Question 2

nz cultural identity

Answer 2

• many poets explore what it means to be a ‘new zealander’
• bicultural nation and multicultural society
• need to preserve culture and tradition and show empathy
• sense of dual identity - heritage and modern nz identity
• overcoming the homogenised, european dominant culture
• ensure we have voices from indigenous and minority cultures

Question 3

turangawaewae (theme)

Answer 3

• sense of belonging is an important factor in strengthening identity
• important concept in te ao maori as a connection to the land shapes identity
• result of colonisation was that maori were systematically displaced from their turangawaewae leading to a weakened sense of identity or belonging
• many maori poets discuss feelings of maemae (pain) that are associated with this weakening of identity
• applicable to migrants who leave their homes for nz. can create a feeling of disconnect that is often reflected in pacific poetry