Off the Field

Arana Collett, a leader in the Maori language revitalization movement, describes how in sports many distinct individuals are unified into one team with a shared goal. Given that societies also share the same goals, Prof. Collett asks, can we apply that same unifying principle at a higher level?

Arana Collett, is an adjunct professor of Te Wananga O Aotearoa, the largest Maori Tertiary Education Institution in Aotearoa New Zealand. Arana is a "pakeha" with 100% European bloodlines, who immersed himself in Maori culture and language in the late 1970's. Shortly after becoming a fluent speaker, Arana was asked by Maori elders and community leaders working within the language revitalization movement to teach others. He is now one of the most respected figures in the language revitalization movement in all of Aotearoa New Zealand. His perspective of coming from a "paheka" background offers a very interesting look at both cultures. Full bio and links »
kaitiaki's picture

tena koe matua i have listened to your korero and i here your words yes thier are many problems between maori and pakeha and in your korero is alot of truth arana