A white New Zealander is commonly referred to as a Pākehā. This term is widely used within New Zealand to distinguish non-Māori individuals, particularly those of European descent, from the Indigenous Māori population.
Understanding the Term 'Pākehā'
The term Pākehā carries significant cultural and historical weight in New Zealand. It serves as a specific identifier that acknowledges the unique demographic makeup of the nation.
Definitions and Usage
The Oxford Dictionary of New Zealandisms defines the noun Pākehā as:
- A light-skinned non-Polynesian New Zealander, especially one of British birth or ancestry as distinct from a Māori; a European or white person.
It also defines the adjective form as:
- Of or relating to Pākehā; non-Māori; European, white.
This illustrates that Pākehā is not only a noun used to describe a person but can also function as an adjective to describe things associated with this demographic.
To clarify the distinct applications of the term, consider the following:
| Term | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pākehā | Noun | Refers to a person who is a light-skinned non-Polynesian New Zealander, often specifically identifying those of British ancestry, distinguishing them from Māori. It is broadly synonymous with 'European' or 'white person' in the New Zealand context. |
| Pākehā | Adjective | Describes something as being 'of or relating to Pākehā', 'non-Māori', 'European', or 'white'. For example, one might refer to 'Pākehā culture' or 'Pākehā perspectives' to highlight aspects specific to this group within New Zealand society. |
Cultural Context
The term Pākehā is an integral part of New Zealand's bicultural discourse. While its precise origin and early usage are debated, it has become a widely accepted and used term by both Māori and non-Māori New Zealanders. Its use reflects the country's unique history of interaction between its Indigenous people and European settlers.
- Historical Significance: The term emerged in the early days of European settlement and reflects the distinctions drawn between the incoming settlers and the Māori people.
- Contemporary Usage: Today, Pākehā is generally accepted as a neutral descriptor, although like any identity term, its connotations can vary depending on context and individual perspective. It is often used in official documents, academic discussions, and everyday conversation to delineate cultural and ethnic groups within New Zealand.
For further information on the term Pākehā, you can refer to its dedicated Wikipedia page.
