Pakeha

**avgas** · 7th September 2007, 15:02

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Pakeha, despite allegations about its origins, is a name generally used to denote a non-Maori person. No offence is generally intended in its use, so none should be taken.

But dont you think it strange that opposite words grab attention.
Non-white,
Anti-Christ
Unintelligent
Non-reserved
Why should 'non-maori' in maori tongue be any different.
I think the term NZer should be adopted by those who wish as some of us only know NZ as home. I know 5 or so generations ago previous to me my family came from europe. but do you think i know anything about their culture? I only know NZ culture - which is not in all terms the same as Maori.

**avgas** · 7th September 2007, 15:10

Whats brown,
Doesn't do anything most of the day,
Sleeps all day,
Sometimes has to be cared for by others,
ends up on tv,
picks a fight with a brown mate every now and then,
trys to claim the rivers,
is not a winter lover?

Brown bear of course

**candor** · 8th September 2007, 00:59

It's all in the delivery if its an insult. Just like how we can say Maori nicely or spit it out.

I think we do need to narrow down more than the generic term NZer.
No way would I treat a Maori or other culture the same way I'd treat a European descent person so I like and need to know peoples ethnicity. I have no compass for interaction without it. It is very important.

The content of my selected conversation for a fellow pakeha will be different to what I'd discuss with another culture - its just fact. And its about ethnicity ie culture not colour. There are "pakeha maoris" that are European descent physically but Maori in all other ways. Likewise I know Maori who be white inside. And if I talk Maori or about subjects precious to many Maori with them or from a Maori value basis it would not compute.

I prefer to be pakeha to being European but then even that is a bit gebneric because it really only acknowledges the british descent / culture and I feel my kotirani (Scottish) heritage) has more formed my ethnic identity.

Happy to let Maori Kiwis help define me. They have a perspective & language - why fear it. New Zealand only gives location nothing more - pakeha indicates a history and I think dignifies us more. They've had to suck up a lot of our language and live with our views of them.

As Mrs Kendog says - Michael King - get some. Great journo and author, one of best books I've read was his one on Princess Te Peua (?spelling). It should be compulsory.

**Krusti** · 8th September 2007, 07:10

We can quote true meanings of words all we like but the simple fact is that meanings change.

As an example, how dare people infer that homosexuals are happy by calling them gay.

I am proud to be called a Pakeha. It gives me a unique place in our society which easily identifies who I am. No matter where I am in this world Pakeha instantly identifies me as coming from NZ. Proud of it.

**Grahameeboy** · 8th September 2007, 07:16

Treat others as you would expect them to treat you regardless off culture etc.

We are all the same, people.

I am me who ever I am with, whether they are Maori, Indian, Asian etc.

**Krusti** · 8th September 2007, 07:33

Having said that I would still rather be called a Kiwi, but if asked if I am therefore a Moari I will revert to Pakeha.

I don't want to be called, white, non maori, european or caucasion.

Makes a difference though for me that I grew up attending an eighty percent maori primary school where we did not care what we were called.

Man we even happily played maori against pakeha at lunch time!

And this snowy headed little Pakeha toured the North Isl a couple of times as a member of the school cultural group. Good guys those REAL country maoris.

Those were the days when we really didn't give a shit what colour we were.

TeKohanga Primary school rocked!

**Krusti** · 8th September 2007, 07:48

Originally Posted by DMNTD

I'm 100% Kiwi...I am indigenous of this land.
Strictly speaking we're all Pacific Islanders as how can we be European living where we do?

True, last think I want is to be aligned with Europe!

**Grahameeboy** · 8th September 2007, 08:03

Originally Posted by Krusti

Having said that I would still rather be called a Kiwi, but if asked if I am therefore a Moari I will revert to Pakeha.

I don't want to be called, white, non maori, european or caucasion.

Makes a difference though for me that I grew up attending an eighty percent maori primary school where we did not care what we were called.

Man we even happily played maori against pakeha at lunch time!

And this snowy headed little Pakeha toured the North Isl a couple of times as a member of the school cultural group. Good guys those REAL country maoris.

Those were the days when we really didn't give a shit what colour we were.

TeKohanga Primary school rocked!

I know the only contant is change, however, it is a shame eh. However, we had race issues in UK a while ago and even before I left things had changed for the better as people settled down and got on with life, but then again I think the Maori issues are different because it seems to be about money, land, trusts when in your day that probably was not so prevelant but for political reasons, and it seems driven as much by the Govt as it is Maori, PC has become a biggy.....I mean the Treaty gives Maori Disabled a special mention under 'Disability' and the truth is they have more rights than my Daughter who was also born here.

I find that Maori I talk to have none of the issue we hear from the Media and Maori activists, which is interesting.

I bet you miss those Pakeha v Maori days. Sounds like fun...bring more of it on I say............

**Grahameeboy** · 8th September 2007, 08:06

Originally Posted by DMNTD

I'm 100% Kiwi...I am indigenous of this land.
Strictly speaking we're all Pacific Islanders as how can we be European living where we do?

Exactly....I always state under 'Other' New Zealander for Nats.....PC crap again eh Sir.

I do not regard myself as European. I am a Londoner and proud of it but also proud to have a Kiwi Daughter.

**Sidewinder** · 8th September 2007, 08:48

Originally Posted by Hitcher

Pakeha, despite allegations about its origins, is a name generally used to denote a non-Maori person. No offence is generally intended in its use, so none should be taken.

so then nigger is a name generally used to denote a non-white persons? so should No offence be intended in its use? so none should be taken?

mmm i duno.

sorry not trying to ofend anyone just making my point

**Grahameeboy** · 8th September 2007, 09:00

Originally Posted by Sidewinder

so then nigger is a name generally used to denote a non-white persons? so should No offence be intended in its use? so none should be taken?

mmm i duno.

sorry not trying to ofend anyone just making my point

Whatever happened to calling people by their Christian names....