January 14, 2022
Ngā Tamatoa reunite to reminisce
A foundation member of Ngā Tamatoa says this weekend’s 50th anniversary reunion is a chance to share their personal stories and experiences.
Linda Tuhiwai Smith CNZM – the inaugural Distinguished Professor of Rangahau and Mātauranga Capability at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in Whakatāne – was secretary of the rangatahi protest group at one time.
The children of the original members of Ngā Tamatoa are organising the reunion to honour the movement of Māori youth who played an important role in revitalising the Māori language.
Rangatahi formed the group in the early 1970s to fight racism and confront injustices. Tuhiwai Smith describes herself as one of the ‘quieter, lesser known ones’.
Founded at a time of social and activist turmoil, Tuhiwai Smith says there were groups for women’s liberation and gay rights but none representing Māori and their issues such as the Treaty of Waitangi and te reo Māori.
Ngā Tamatoa chose to draw attention to the issues affecting Māori with disruptive and offensive behaviour which attracted attention but also repulsed other Māori who wanted them to be quiet and polite.
However, when they sat down and talked, they actually agreed with what Ngā Tamatoa had been trying to achieve. It was what they had been trying to achieve as well but through different channels.
Tuhiwai Smith features in one of four panel discussions being held as part of the 50th anniversary event at the local campus of the University of Waikato tomorrow afternoon.
She joins Toro Waaka, Taura Eruera, John Ohiaand Brya Taylor on the first panel: ‘Ngā Tamatoa, The Beginning’.
Tame Iti, Larry Parr, Rīpeka Evans and Donna Awatere will present the second panel, ‘The Treaty is a Fraud’.
‘From Protest to Social Action’ will feature Orewa Barrett-Ohia, Kura Te Waru-Rewiri, Josie Keelan, Hone Harawira and Ngahuia Te Awekotuku.
The line-up of the fourth and final panel, ‘The Petition’, includes Rāmari Te Hemara Maipi, Taitimu Maipi, Mana Cracknel, Hilda Harawira and Toro Waaka.