#HandsOffOurTama-ariki 2019 – Photo supplied
Introduction:
Family violence and sexual violence are deeply troubling issues that have plagued societies worldwide for centuries. In the context of Māori culture, it is essential to recognize that these forms of violence were not traditionally accepted or condoned.
Prior to colonization, Māori communities upheld a strong sense of familial bonds and values, where the concept of “whakapapa” played a crucial role in shaping social norms and behaviors. Whakapapa represented the sacred interconnectedness of individuals within a family and community. It symbolized the lineage, heritage, and identity of each person, highlighting the significance of ancestry and kinship ties.
In Māori culture, to harm a child was to harm one’s whakapapa, causing a ripple effect of dishonor and shame throughout the entire family tree. This belief underscored the sacredness of children and the importance of protecting their well-being at all costs.
Furthermore, the sacredness of women, or wahine, in Māori culture cannot be understated. They were revered as important and equal members of society, recognized for their role as sacred conduits between heaven and earth. Women were honored for bringing forth new life into the world.
Soldiers Rd Portraits: Vienna Nordstrom, Karanimāmā: Sophie Tipene & Taaniko Nordstrom-Gilbert -Photo supplied
It is captured in this whakatauki or proverb:
“He mareikura, he taonga-tuku-iho ki waenganui ko Ranginui rāua ko Papatūānuku; he tapu te wharetangata”.
The act of childbirth was seen as a sacred and powerful connection to the divine.
Each baby was sung into the world, emphasizing the sacredness of tama-ariki and women as life-givers and nurturers within the community.
Samuel Marsden, the first missionary in New Zealand in 1814, commented that Māori men were kind to their women and children, highlighting a historical respect for gender equality and familial harmony within Māori society.
Alternatives to Violence Presentation AVP 2014– Photo supplied
The transition from a sacred whakapapa, symbolizing the interconnectedness and sanctity of Māori families, to the prevalence of family violence and sexual violence in modern Māori communities can be attributed to the profound impact of colonization and historical trauma.
Several key factors have contributed to this shift:
1. Colonial Disruption: The arrival of European colonizers in New Zealand disrupted the traditional Māori way of life, leading to the erosion of cultural practices, values, and social structures that once upheld the sanctity of whakapapa.
2. Loss of Cultural Identity: Colonization resulted in the suppression of traditional Māori beliefs and practices, weakening the sacred bonds that held Māori families together.
3. Intergenerational Trauma: The legacy of colonization and historical trauma has contributed to cycles of violence and dysfunction within Māori families.
4. Social Disparities: Māori communities face significant social disparities, increasing the risk of family violence and sexual violence.
5. Lack of Support Services: Limited access to culturally appropriate support services has hindered intervention and prevention efforts.
6. Impact of Modernization: Conflicts between modern societal expectations and traditional values have contributed to breakdowns in communication and harmony within families.
State Sanctioned Phenomenon:
Another colonial factor saw sexual violence applied to Māori women as part of a state-sanctioned phenomenon. On the 5th November 1881, 1600 police under the leadership of Native Affairs Minister John Bryce arrested the men at Parihaka, and sexually abused the women. The samething happened at Maungapohatu on April 2nd 1916. 51 police arrested Rua Kenana and his men and sexually assaulted the women.
Armed Constabulary at Parihaka in 1881
A Sims commission of Inquiry in 1928 was held because babies were born out of those incidences. An official apology was given by the NZ Crown for Parihaka in 2017. And for Maungapohatu in 2022.
In conclusion, the movement from a sacred whakapapa to the current challenges of family violence and sexual violence in Māori communities underscores the complex interplay of historical, social, cultural, and systemic factors that have shaped the experiences of Māori families. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that recognizes the historical context, honors Māori cultural values, and provides culturally responsive support services to promote healing, resilience, and the restoration of sacred family connections.
Asset Sales Protest 2012 – Photo supplied
Reference: “Armed Constabulary units at Parihaka, 1881. Source: [New Zealand History- Invasion of Pacifist Settlement at Parihaka], [https://nzhistory.govt.nz/occupation-pacifist-settlement-at-parihaka?need_sec_link=1&sec_link_scene=im].”
