Indigenous Delegation Finds Inspiration in Whanganui

A delegation of indigenous representatives from Taiwan has arrived in Whanganui to connect with Ngā Rauru Kītahi, seeking inspiration and shared strategies for the revitalization of their ancestral languages. 

Through experiencing the local environment and culture, the visitors explore striking similarities between their languages and Māori, aiming to return home with new insights to strengthen their own communities.

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He pūrongo nā Te Kakenga Kawiti-Bishara, Multimedia Reporter.

For many, this visit represents a foundational step in building international indigenous connections. "It’s the first time coming to Aotearoa, first time coming to a marae and the first time making direct contact with the people here," says Tana Panay Kumod Takisvilainan, a student at Te Herenga Waka. 

Reflecting on the scale of the visit, Takisvilainan notes, "There are six Taiwanese, six different indigenous people, they have come in here."

The Taiwanese visitors are particularly keen to learn from the Māori experience of language revitalization, having faced historical assimilation pressures. 

Vurig Latok, a member of the Taiwan delegation, explains, "Most of the indigenous people in their tribe are not familiar with their indigenous language, because their language was assimilated by Han Chinese in the past, by the coloniser, but now they are trying to revive their language." Latok adds, "I’ve come to New Zealand to learn from the best, learn from Māori and their experiences."

The exchange also focuses on the deep connection between language, culture, and the natural environment.

Kody Iti Ward, also from Te Herenga Waka, highlights the importance of this shared experience: "Ko te whai wheako, te kite i ngā āhuatanga, te rongo ki ngā kōrero, te rongo i te hā o te whenua kia uru mai tētehi wairua ki roto i a rātau kia whakahokia ki ō rātau ake iwi, hapori, ko te whakarauoratanga o ngā iwi taketake te take."

Ward further notes the linguistic similarities, stating, "Ko te mea nui ko te reo, rite tonu te oro, ngā ara pū, he rite ki a mātau ngā nama, he rite ki a tātau te Māori."

Ani Budd, another student at Te Herenga Waka, emphasizes that this connection is a long-term commitment to shared survival. "Ēhara i te mea he tīmatanga hou tēnei ēngari he hokinga ki te whakapakari ake i ēnei momo herenga hei pāinga mō te iwi, hei painga mō ngā iwi taketake me te taiao hoki," says Budd.

Looking toward the future, the delegation hopes to take these lessons back to Taiwan. Takisvilainan concludes, "We know the Whanganui River, everyone knows it’s a river that has human rights, but you have land, you have an ecosystem and I really want to know how you cooperate with nature."