Structures of Maori society in Taranaki, 1881-1911

Abstract

Up until 1881 the State's relationship with Maori in Taranaki involved warfare and negotiation, not governing. In 1881 the State embarked on their most vigorous campaign yet to make Maori in Taranaki move in a direction which suited the State. This campaign began with the military occupation and destruction of Parihaka, which forced Maori to acknowledge the will and military might of the Pakeha State. In order to prevent a reoccurrence of November 1881 Pakeha State and society attempted to seduce, and when necessary coerce, Maori in Taranaki into shifting from Maori to Pakeha 'forms' and 'content'. This attempt was manifested in Maori exposure to Pakeha methods of healthcare, education, religion and work; and in the initially involuntary participation of Maori in Pakeha courts of law. This was done with the expectation that once Maori became more Pakeha-like they would be more easily influenced and controlled by Pakeha. The study is important because it establishes that there was a major shift by Maori in Taranaki towards Pakeha methods and tools, and a small shift to Pakeha 'content', and that both shifts occurred after 1881 and not before. This study also attempts to calibrate whether new and/or modified Pakeha 'forms' had a structural effect on Maori society.