Dial a powhiri? : a Pakeha historical and theoretical analysis of the post-colonial politics that have affected the development of a secondary school polynesian club

Abstract

As a teacher, I often felt that I was teaching in an historical void. However, I was so preoccupied with the day to day demands of administration and assessment that I did not possess the time (or the physical energy) to identify those historical factors that contributed to 'barriers to learning' either within my classroom or the wider school community. This undermined my ability (and the ability of my colleagues), to provide 'equal' educational opportunities to Maori students. I awoke to this reality when I became involved as a fund-raiser for the school's Polynesian club during the period 1993-95. Although, I felt well-supported by the Principal and by the school's administrative staff, the frustrations that I experienced as a fundraiser informed my interest in the Waitangi Tribunal claim (WAI372), lodged by Mr. John Delamere and fellow claimants.