University Press - Debate Magazine - March 2008

Traditional Knowledge conference

An older wisdom descend upon the University of Auckland yesterday when indigenous leaders from around the world gathered to provide fresh perspectives on conflict resolution.

The bi-annual Traditional Knowledge Conference brought together more than 300 delegates from around the world, including 26 Hawaiians, American Indians, and a shaman.

Hosted by Nga Pae o te Maramatanga, the Maori Centre of Research Excellence, the international conference invited speakers to discuss traditional modes of conflict resolution.

Grant Hawke, Ngati Whatua Orakei Maori Trust Board chairman, spoke on the opening night about the recent 30 year anniversary of the Bastion Point occupation.

He says the role Maori have played in promoting passive resistance is a central theme of contemporary Maori conflict resolution, and one which has resonated throughout the world.

"There are very few chances for indigenous people looking for some advice in these areas to gather. A lot of people look towards New Zealand for ideas in negotiating over colonial issues."

Mr Hawke says there is a lot of international focus on New Zealand due to the evolution of Maori resistance and reconciliation, and the rarity of the Treaty of Waitangi.

"Maori used passive resistance back in the 1800s, before Ghandi and India caught on, and continued that thinking through to when we occupied Bastion Point.

"We still have a long way to go for Maori in society, but there have been some large attitude changes in certain communities."

Dr Joseph Te Rito, programme leader at the Maori Centre of Research Excellence, says the idea of peace is paramount, and talk of passive resistance was the key point at the conference.

"Any ideas to help indigenous people, outside of taking up arms, are positive," he says.

Dr Huirangi Waikerepuru, Ngāpuhi Taranaki, spoke on the opening night about Taranaki during the 1880s.

In Parihaka Maori employed tactics of passive resistance, such as removing surveying pegs and staging peaceful demonstrations to occupy land; efforts which were countered with forced removal by Government troops.

"The Maori tradition of warrior to resolve conflict, was transformed into a stoic passive warrior who against all inclinations would not raise a hand to his assailant.

"They may have had the guns (colonial troops). But we had the mana," says Dr Waikerepuru.

Dr Te Rito says the spreading of knowledge on conflict resolution is vital at a time when land and resources are continuing to be taken from indigenous people the world over.

"It will allow indigenous people to put their views out to the world, when there are not so many forums for doing so."

He says indigenous people from around the world look up to Maori, and many Maori ideas are revolutionary to them.

"This is a great opportunity to bring great mines of information together from around the world, and New Zealand, to exchange ideas.

"The indigenous people learn from us - we are leaders in many regards," says Dr Te Rito.

Mr Hawke says, although talk is constructive, some areas of Maori knowledge are struggling, such as Kōhanga Reo; a pre-school Maori language programme for young children.

"I seems being bi-lingual is not seen [by the government] as a positive thing in our schools."

Dr Te Rito says another goal of the conference is to help transform New Zealand society; into one where Maori have more standing.

He says Maori knowledge is booming, and the Maori Centre of Research Excellence has already reached its target of creating 500 new Maori PhDs.

Delegates received a traditional Maori welcome at the University Waipapa Marae, and were treated to a distinct kind of Kiwi knowledge in a live performance by the Herbs Unplugged.

Community workshops and presentations from grassroots groups, such as the Women's Refuge, played as important a role as academic presentation.

"We want to build a two-way process between academia and the community; there will be a full range of thoughts and ideas, pragmatists and all sorts.

"We want community engagement, so the talk is not all ivory tower stuff," says Dr Te Rito.