Protest by Maori in the 1970s - Significance
The 1975 Maori land march and land occupations of Bastion Point and Raglan are significant protests in New Zealand history. These protests by Maori of the 1970s have contributed significantly to New Zealand society in both the past and present. The significances lies in the changes these protests have made to New Zealand society through changes to legislation and the normalities of everyday life, concerning racial relations and Maori land grievances.
1975 Hikoi
The 1975 hikoi is often described as the rejuvenation of Maori identity and the greatest form of Maori protest in New Zealand history. Michael King, in his book After The War: New Zealand Since 1945, describes the march as being, “the most spectacular gesture of Maori protest ever seen,” which is a reflection of the significance of the hikoi on New Zealand society, both in the past and present. The hikoi was a turning point in New Zealand and served as a sign to New Zealanders that Maori were dedicated in protecting the ‘taonga’ (treasures) in their lives. Land is one of the ‘taonga’ of Maori and the 1975 land march marked this desire.
Maori unity in the 1975 hikoi illustrates the significance of this in New Zealand history. The land march urged Maori to set aside their internal tribal differences to unite in order to raise awareness of the larger issue of Maori land loss. Alan Ball entails in his book Big World, Small Country: The 20th century and New Zealand's Place In It, “1975 hikoi was the largest ever protest action by Maori. Its scale was especially significant as Maori had traditionally lacked unity, with divisions occurring along tribal lines.” The unified front of Maori despite their historical record reinforces the significance of this event and is a testament to the Maori perception of land loss.
The support, stature and outcomes of the 1975 land march were far greater than its original intention, making the hikoi not only a protest march but a reassertion of Maori identity in New Zealand society. Although not achieving all of its aims the land march inspired future Maori protests, further contributing to a change for the better in New Zealand society.
Bastion Point Land Occupation
The significance of the Maori occupation of Bastion Point in years 1977 and 1978 is its symbol of modern activism. The occupation continued above the protest style of petitions and submissions and into direct action. It saw the lack of progression from the numerous mainstream tactics used and advanced into a long and hard-fought campaign, obtaining a certain poignancy that can merely be described due to its vast impacts on Ngati Whatua protesters and wider community of supporters.
The Maori occupation of Bastion Point was also significant as it was able to emphasise the continual discrimination faced by Maori from government. Robin Morrison comments,
“The use of such overwhelming force to end the peaceful occupation highlighted the legacy of discrimination against Maori and the state’s ongoing appropriation
of Maori land. The occupation became a major landmark in the history of Maori protest and helped to open Pakeha eyes to the country’s history of injustice.”
- (Taken from http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/whats-on/exhibitions/2013/a-decade-of-days-robin-morrison/bastion-point-takaparawhau)
Also, its significance is acknowledged as the Orakei claim became the first of the historical claims to be heard and analysed by the Waitangi Tribunal. Achieving the tribunals recommendation of the return of Bastion Point to the Ngati Whatua tribe further represented its significance as a protest in New Zealand history.
Raglan Golf Course Occupation
The Maori occupation of the Raglan golf course contributed to the significant period of protests by Maori in the 1970s. The Raglan occupation highlighted the Tainui Awhiro land grievance. The protest contrived enough public attention to be publicised to the entire nation, which added to the broadcasting of fellow Maori land protests. It was compelling in achieving its purpose eventually, when in 1984 all confiscated Tainui Awhiro land was returned.
Conclusions
The 1975 land march and land occupations of Bastion Point and Raglan significantly contributed to the change in New Zealand society in regards to equality for Maori and race relations. After these protests of the 1970s New Zealand society saw more injustices against Maori addressed which contributed to a more equal society. As Maori land grievances were resolved with the Waitangi Tribunal, New Zealand society began to eliminate racial injustices. As Paul Moon stated in Turning Points: Events That Changed The Course Of New Zealand History,
“A rebirth of Maori identity for the modern age which would involve various struggles over the next two decades in order for Maori culture and identity
to be preserved and rejuvenated. Just how widespread Maori concerns were about threats to their culture and landholdings became apparent.”
Maori culture had been reasserted in New Zealand society and from the 1970s it continued to flourish once again, through the government’s acknowledgement of the Treaty of Waitangi and the Maori culture of one to embrace and accept rather than assimilate.
1975 Hikoi
The 1975 hikoi is often described as the rejuvenation of Maori identity and the greatest form of Maori protest in New Zealand history. Michael King, in his book After The War: New Zealand Since 1945, describes the march as being, “the most spectacular gesture of Maori protest ever seen,” which is a reflection of the significance of the hikoi on New Zealand society, both in the past and present. The hikoi was a turning point in New Zealand and served as a sign to New Zealanders that Maori were dedicated in protecting the ‘taonga’ (treasures) in their lives. Land is one of the ‘taonga’ of Maori and the 1975 land march marked this desire.
Maori unity in the 1975 hikoi illustrates the significance of this in New Zealand history. The land march urged Maori to set aside their internal tribal differences to unite in order to raise awareness of the larger issue of Maori land loss. Alan Ball entails in his book Big World, Small Country: The 20th century and New Zealand's Place In It, “1975 hikoi was the largest ever protest action by Maori. Its scale was especially significant as Maori had traditionally lacked unity, with divisions occurring along tribal lines.” The unified front of Maori despite their historical record reinforces the significance of this event and is a testament to the Maori perception of land loss.
The support, stature and outcomes of the 1975 land march were far greater than its original intention, making the hikoi not only a protest march but a reassertion of Maori identity in New Zealand society. Although not achieving all of its aims the land march inspired future Maori protests, further contributing to a change for the better in New Zealand society.
Bastion Point Land Occupation
The significance of the Maori occupation of Bastion Point in years 1977 and 1978 is its symbol of modern activism. The occupation continued above the protest style of petitions and submissions and into direct action. It saw the lack of progression from the numerous mainstream tactics used and advanced into a long and hard-fought campaign, obtaining a certain poignancy that can merely be described due to its vast impacts on Ngati Whatua protesters and wider community of supporters.
The Maori occupation of Bastion Point was also significant as it was able to emphasise the continual discrimination faced by Maori from government. Robin Morrison comments,
“The use of such overwhelming force to end the peaceful occupation highlighted the legacy of discrimination against Maori and the state’s ongoing appropriation
of Maori land. The occupation became a major landmark in the history of Maori protest and helped to open Pakeha eyes to the country’s history of injustice.”
- (Taken from http://www.aucklandmuseum.com/whats-on/exhibitions/2013/a-decade-of-days-robin-morrison/bastion-point-takaparawhau)
Also, its significance is acknowledged as the Orakei claim became the first of the historical claims to be heard and analysed by the Waitangi Tribunal. Achieving the tribunals recommendation of the return of Bastion Point to the Ngati Whatua tribe further represented its significance as a protest in New Zealand history.
Raglan Golf Course Occupation
The Maori occupation of the Raglan golf course contributed to the significant period of protests by Maori in the 1970s. The Raglan occupation highlighted the Tainui Awhiro land grievance. The protest contrived enough public attention to be publicised to the entire nation, which added to the broadcasting of fellow Maori land protests. It was compelling in achieving its purpose eventually, when in 1984 all confiscated Tainui Awhiro land was returned.
Conclusions
The 1975 land march and land occupations of Bastion Point and Raglan significantly contributed to the change in New Zealand society in regards to equality for Maori and race relations. After these protests of the 1970s New Zealand society saw more injustices against Maori addressed which contributed to a more equal society. As Maori land grievances were resolved with the Waitangi Tribunal, New Zealand society began to eliminate racial injustices. As Paul Moon stated in Turning Points: Events That Changed The Course Of New Zealand History,
“A rebirth of Maori identity for the modern age which would involve various struggles over the next two decades in order for Maori culture and identity
to be preserved and rejuvenated. Just how widespread Maori concerns were about threats to their culture and landholdings became apparent.”
Maori culture had been reasserted in New Zealand society and from the 1970s it continued to flourish once again, through the government’s acknowledgement of the Treaty of Waitangi and the Maori culture of one to embrace and accept rather than assimilate.