Pākehā facts for kids

Pākehā is a Māori language word. It is used to describe New Zealanders who are of European background. Sometimes, it can also mean any non-Māori New Zealander. The word Papa'a has a similar meaning in the Cook Islands Māori language.

The word Pākehā was used as early as the late 1700s. For example, in 1814, children in Rangihoua Bay were very keen to see the "packaha." In the Māori language, the plural forms of Pākehā can be Ngā Pākehā (meaning "the Pākehā") or He Pākehā (meaning "some Pākehā"). In English, people used to say "Pakehas" for the plural. Now, many New Zealand English speakers use "Pākehā" for both singular and plural, treating it like a group word.

People of European background in New Zealand have different feelings about the term. Some don't like it, thinking it might be insulting or because it's not in their own language. Many people don't mind it. A smaller group likes the term and feels that other names, like "New Zealand European," are not quite right. A study in 2013 found that most New Zealanders of European background did not find the word insulting. However, only 12% chose "Pākehā" to describe themselves. Most preferred "New Zealander" (53%), "New Zealand European" (25%), or "Kiwi" (17%).

Where the Word Pākehā Comes From

The exact origin of the word pākehā is not fully known. However, it might come from words like pākehakeha or pakepakehā. These words are part of an old story about a "mythical, human-like being." This being had fair skin and hair. It traveled in canoes made of reeds that could magically turn into sailing ships.

When the first Europeans arrived, they rowed their longboats to shore. They faced backwards while rowing. In traditional Māori canoes, called "waka," paddlers face forward. This difference might have made some Māori believe the sailors were supernatural beings.

Anthropologist Anne Salmond wrote that old tribal stories said a wise man named Toiroa had predicted the arrival of Europeans. He said "ko te pakerewha," which meant "it is the pakerewha," referring to red and white strangers.

Some people have suggested other meanings for the word, but these are not correct. One idea was that it came from poaka (Māori for "pig") and keha (one of the Māori words for "flea"). This idea suggested the word was insulting. However, there is no proof for this. The Māori language usually keeps its vowels the same, so pā- would not come from poaka. Also, poaka itself likely came from the English word "pork." The more common Māori word for flea is puruhi. So, pākehā does not mean "white pig" or "unwelcome white stranger."

How People Feel About the Term

New Zealanders of European background have different feelings about being called "Pākehā." Some fully accept it. They see it as a way to show their connection to New Zealand, different from their European ancestors. Others see it as a term that describes a relationship, or as old-fashioned.

Some people strongly dislike the word. They claim it is insulting or makes them feel like outsiders. This is often based on wrong ideas about what the word means. Some feel that being called Pākehā takes away their link to New Zealand. In the 1986 census (a count of the population), over 36,000 people did not choose the ethnic groups offered, including Pākehā. They wrote "New Zealander" or left the question blank.

In the 1996 census, the option "NZ European or Pakeha" was used. But it was changed to "New Zealand European" in later censuses. This was because some people reacted strongly against "Pakeha." However, a sociologist named Paul Spoonley said that many Pākehā would not identify as European.

The term Pākehā is also sometimes used by New Zealanders of European background to show they belong in New Zealand. They use it to contrast themselves with more recent arrivals, who might be called Tauiwi (foreigner). Those who prefer to focus on nationality rather than ethnicity might call all New Zealand citizens simply New Zealanders or Kiwis.

Many journalists and writers in New Zealand use the term. For example, historian Judith Binney called herself a Pākehā. She said it is a simple and useful term given by Māori. She believed it has no bad meanings, even though some people think it does. She felt it was nice to have a name given by the people who live in New Zealand. Writer and historian Michael King wrote in 1985 that calling something Pākehā emphasizes its New Zealand identity. Many New Zealand politicians, like Don Brash, John Key, Helen Clark, and Te Ururoa Flavell, also use the term.

History of Pākehā Identity

It's not easy to say exactly when European settlers in New Zealand started to see themselves as Pākehā or New Zealanders.

The first European settlers arrived in New Zealand in the early 1800s. Most were missionaries, traders, or adventurers who did not plan to stay forever. After the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the 1840s, and Britain took control, many Europeans began to settle permanently. Most of these settlers came from Britain, especially Scotland. There were also many settlers from Ireland and other parts of Europe.

In the late 1800s, some people started to feel a sense of national pride. Many Pākehā began to see themselves as different from people living in Britain. However, strong connections to the "mother country" (the United Kingdom) remained for a long time. Until the mid-1900s, most Pākehā thought of themselves as both British and New Zealanders. Many Pākehā thinkers moved to Britain to find work, as it was hard to do so in New Zealand. Famous Pākehā who lived abroad during this time include writer Katherine Mansfield and physicist Ernest Rutherford.

Pākehā ties with Britain became much weaker after World War II. Faster and cheaper international travel allowed more Pākehā to visit and live in other countries. There, they realized they were different from the British. They felt a need for a stronger national identity. In 1973, Britain joined the European Economic Community. This cut New Zealand off from free trade with its biggest market. Many Pākehā felt let down by the people they had considered their own.

At the same time, Māori people became more confident. They spoke up about the value of their culture and their ownership over it. This Māori cultural revival made many Pākehā feel they lacked a culture of their own. From the 1970s, many Pākehā writers and artists began to explore what it meant to be Pākehā. It was around this time that the word "Pākehā" became more popular, though it still caused some debate.

Pākehā Cultural Identity

Pākehā continue to develop their own identity. This identity is different from, but also connected to, their British origins. It is also different from other English-speaking countries like Australia, the United States, Canada, and Ireland. Like most countries settled by Europeans, Pākehā culture is a mix of different practices. It combines British/European influences with some Māori and Polynesian ideas. More recently, it includes influences from Chinese and other Asian cultures.

Some people say that modern Pākehā culture was especially shaped by Britain joining the European Economic Community in 1973. This event made the descendants of the colonizers feel "abandoned and marooned" in Australia and New Zealand.

Even though Christianity came from other countries, it has been shaped by Māori. This can be seen in churches like the Ratana Church and Destiny Church. Māori have also been involved in churches of European origin, like the Anglican Church. When Pākehā identity is shown, it often uses "Kiwiana" symbols. These include things like Chesdale Cheese men, which are part of New Zealand's unique popular culture.

Michael King, a well-known writer and historian, explored Pākehā identity in his books. These include Being Pākehā (1985) and Being Pākehā Now (1999). He also edited a collection called Pakeha: The Quest for Identity in New Zealand (1991). He saw Pākehā as New Zealand's "second native" culture.

However, Māori art historian Jonathan Mane-Wheoki had a different view. He described Pākehā as "the people who define themselves by what they are not." He felt they wanted to forget their origins and history. He also thought they wanted Māori to deny their origins so everyone could start fresh.

See also

In Spanish: Pakeha para niños