About Maui Street
To be honest, I didn't start Maui Street with a particular objective in mind. At the back of my mind I wanted to address the shortage of Maori voice in the blogosphere. The older this blog got the more I wanted to address the shortage of Maori voices in the media too.
There's a shortage of Maori comment both on the internet and in the media. Much of the analysis that does exist is poor. Having said that, I don't pretend to be some sort of expert on Maori politics and things Maori. I'm an interested observer and, at some points, an interested player. But expert I am not.
I tend to think Maui Street fills an important niche. I write mostly on issues that affect Maori, especially political issues, and I will do my best to post at least weekly. However, with study commitments and life in general my posting habits may become erratic.
I welcome any feedback or anyone that wants to discuss something with me. You can get in touch with me at godfermorg@myvuw(dot)ac(dot)nz
To be honest, I didn't start Maui Street with a particular objective in mind. At the back of my mind I wanted to address the shortage of Maori voice in the blogosphere. The older this blog got the more I wanted to address the shortage of Maori voices in the media too.
There's a shortage of Maori comment both on the internet and in the media. Much of the analysis that does exist is poor. Having said that, I don't pretend to be some sort of expert on Maori politics and things Maori. I'm an interested observer and, at some points, an interested player. But expert I am not.
I tend to think Maui Street fills an important niche. I write mostly on issues that affect Maori, especially political issues, and I will do my best to post at least weekly. However, with study commitments and life in general my posting habits may become erratic.
I welcome any feedback or anyone that wants to discuss something with me. You can get in touch with me at godfermorg@myvuw(dot)ac(dot)nz
About Me
I'm in my third year of University study. I'm based in Wellington and I whakapapa to Ngati Awa, Ngati Hikairo, Tuhoe and Ngati Turangitukua. I can also trace my whakapapa back to Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Maru, but that's going back a while.
I grew up in Kawerau, a small and poor town in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Kawerau is known for a few things like pulp, paper, pollution and forestry. Kawerau is also known for pulp, paper, pollution and forestry. You get the picture.
Not that I'm bagging Kawerau. I love the place - I was born there and I intend to die there.
I didn't spend all of my formative years in Kawerau though. I went to high school in Rotorua, Rotorua Boys' High to be exact, and I like to think I'm a more rounded person for it.
I can't say I grew up poor. My whanau weren't rich, but I never really wanted for anything. My upbringing was enriching. Growing up with the poor teaches you some important lessons. I can write a novel on this, but suffice to say my upbringing influenced the importance I place on empathy and fairness.
Anywho, this isn't my memoir or autobiography. Take your time searching through Maui Street and I hope you find something of interest, something of value or something that incites you.
