Tina Ngaroimata Fraser NAHO 2009 National Conference

1. Māori-Tūhoe Epistemology:
Stages of Sustaining Tribal Identity
Through Māori Performing Arts
Tina Ngaroimata Fraser

3. Introduction
• Purpose
• Research Questions
• Theoretical Framework
• Maori Research Methodology
• Analysis and Findings
• Sustaining Tribal Identity –
Individual & Collective
• Identity Framework
•Contributions of my research
•Future Research

4. The Overarching Purpose
To articulate Māori-Tūhoe worldview as
communicated and expressed through the
medium of performing arts, specifically Te
Hui Ahurei ā Tūhoe (Unique Gathering of
Tūhoe); together these elements help to build
a sustainable and functional tribal identity.

5. Research Questions
•How is Maori-Tūhoe
epistemology transmitted
through traditional performing
arts?
•How does Te Hui Ahurei ā
Tūhoe (Performative arts)
sustain tribal identity?

6. Theoretical Framework
Tikanga/Kawa
Waka (customs and protocols)
(canoe)
Wānanga Whanaungatanga
Īwi (place of learning) (family kinship)
(tribe)
Whakapapa Sustaining
(genealogy) Tribal
Hapū Marae
(sub-tribe) (meeting place)
Te Taiāo Identity
(the environment)
Hui Nga Kōrero Pūrākau
Whānau (gathering) (tribal narratives)
(family)
Te Reo ā Īwi
(tribal dialect)
WHO? HOW? WHAT? WHY?

7. Maori Research Methodology
Data collected from
Female focus group
(N=25) and Male
focus group
(N=24), as well as
4 female and 6 male
key knowledge holders.
Case Study
59 participants in total.
Values and
Ethical
Guidelines
Structured
and Semi- Site
Selection
structured
Questions

8. Analysis and Findings
State of Experience: Analysis:
Consciousness: (Involvement, (Theory)
(Space and Time) Participation,
Commitment)
Born and raised A performer who Being Tūhoe is
PHASE ONE disconnected from the observes tribal determined by
tribe. practices without genealogy.
becoming actively
involved.
Born and raised away A leader who Being Tūhoe is
PHASE TWO from the tribe but participates in tribal determined by
maintains regular practices but does not acknowledgement.
contact with the tribe. generally question
processes.
Born and raised within An activist who Being Tūhoe is
PHASE THREE
the tribe challenges tribal determined by input.
practices with the
intention of tribal
development.

9. Sustaining Tribal Identity:
Individual Development
SUSTAINING
TRIBAL
IDENTITY
REVISION
RECLAMATION
REFLECTION

10. Community Voices
Reflection – “Being Tūhoe is a right that is
inherited through the blood of the fore-fathers and
mothers”
Reclamation – “Maintaining the connection with
the community by attending cultural events, and
participating in cultural traditional practices.”
Revision – “People who are raised in Tūhoe ways
are the ‘movers’ and the ‘shifters’ of the tribe who
are more likely to challenge tribal identity with the
intent of developing it.”

11. Sustaining Tribal Identity:
Collective Development
SUSTAINING
TRIBAL
IDENTITY
MĀRAMATANGA
Enlightenment
MĀTAURANGA
In-Depth
Knowledge
MŌHIOTANGA
Knowing

12. Community Voices
Mōhiotanga – “Lessons that can be learned from, or
taught at, Te Hui Ahurei ā Tūhoe that are flexible in
nature.”
Mātauranga – “Knowledge that transpires between
people we encounter on a regular basis who are familiar to
us.”
Māramatanga – “A state of enlightenment; essentially the
process understanding how to attain, maintain and
sustain tribal identity. This is not a state of stagnation; it
is acknowledging that there will always be room for further
growth and development.”

13. IdentityFramework
Identity Framework
Te Mana Motuhake ō
Tino Rangatiratanga Tūhoe
Sustaining Tribal Identity Te Mana Motuhake
Tino Rangatiratanga ō Tūhoe
Sustaining Tribal Identity
Māramatanga Mātauranga Mōhiotanga
Reclamation
Develop Wānanga
Māramatanga Mātauranga Mōhiotanga
Implement
Develop Waka
Wānanga
Revision
Experiment Iwi
Implement Waka
Revision
Inquire
Reflection Reclamation
Experiment Hapū
Iwi
Participate
Inquire Marae
Reflection
Hapū
Observe
Participate Whānau
Marae
Observe
Individual Whānau
Collective
Decision Decision
Individual
Making Collective
Making
Decision Making Decision Making

14. Contributions of my research
Performing Arts is more than an “act”
it is the performativity of a peoples,
bringing us together, revitalizing, and
re-grounding us into what it means to
be Māori-Tūhoe

15. Future Research
Gather information from previous Tūhoe festivals/Te
Hui Ahurei ā Tūhoe for archives in publically available
formats (e.g., DVD, online, multi-media)
Utilize the themes from bi-annual Tūhoe festival,
composing/writing/performing for next festival – theme
to be compulsory.