Being Maori is forever : an investigation into Maori identity

Identity has been widely studied. However measures of identity are relatively new. The focus of this study was twofold 1) to critique definitions and measures of Maori identity 2) to apply an inter-generational approach to the study of Maori identity. Many of the studies currently being undertaken have based their methodology on Thomas's (1988) work, namely 'The Test of Maori Knowledge.' An underlying assumption of these studies was the emphasis on knowledge of traditional Maori culture. This to me did not reflect Maori social reality as only 1/3rd of the Maori population of New Zealand can speak and understand Maori. Authors such as Vaughan ( 1986) have discussed a difference in Maori knowledge of rural and urban Maori. This study specifically set out to interview four of my whanau and allow them to tell their story. The oldest respondent was 91 and the youngest 31, and two were living in a South Island city while two remained close to their rural iwi areas. The respondents represent three different generations. The rationale for this representation was to see if there were any differences in the ways each of them had been affected by colonization. All four participants had been affected by colonisation, but in different ways and this related strongly to their generation and urban or rural lifestyle