Huia Come Home

by J. Ruka

Alternate cover edition for ISBN13 9781877487996
For previous cover edition see here

Huia e huia, tangata kotahi! Huia, your destiny is to bring everyone together! Maori proverb Once the sacred guardian of New Zealand's native forests, the huia was a symbol of the land's unique beauty and spirituality. The rare bird's tragic extinction in the early 1900s represents a shot to the heart of Aotearoa and is a potent metaphor for a country's conflicted history. Using the story of the untimely extinction of the huia, Jay Ruka offers a fresh perspective on the narrative of Aotearoa; a tale of two cultures, warring worldviews, and the things we lost in translation. Revisiting the early missionaries, the transformative message of the gospel and the cultural missteps of the Treaty of Waitangi, Huia Come Home invites us to reconnect with the unique story offered by the indigenous Maori lens. In relearning the history that lies in the soil of Aotearoa, we might just find a shared hope for the future and a recovery of national treasures once thought to be extinct.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Theology, Faith, Indigenous, Christianity

180 pages, Paperback

Published August 7, 2018

About the author

J. Ruka is a story teller, musician and public communicator. After working as a church minister for many years, he now writes and speaks about indigenous worldview, New Zealand History and the importance of cultural partnership. He is married to Erin and they live with their three children in Whāingaroa (Raglan), New Zealand.

Reviews

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a winsome telling of the history of the church in New Zealand. The huia is an extinct indigenous NZ bird, used as a symbol in this book for Maori culture, swallowed up by the western culture brought by the European settlers. The book is a call to the church in New Zealand, to remember the original intent behind the historic Waitangi Treaty, and to look again at and welcome in Maori culture - with some fantastic insights into things we can learn by looking at the gospel through the Maori worldview. I read years ago that as the gospel is contextualised, it somehow grows. Or in other words, as we look at the gospel through the eyes of others, we learn so much more about it. This book is an encouragement to us to do just this.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read, especially for those New Zealanders who have not read much from a Maori perspective. Beautifully and compassionately written. If you're a white Kiwi, and want to learn, start here!

[Alexandra Corbett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have found the book extremely disturbing and dangerous propagating "the other gospel".
Actually, it contains Critical Race Theory ideas applied to New Zealand circumstances in a want-to-be prophetic Christian habit.
The author after a short survey of church history in NZ leads readers through a kind of "deconstruction" process to accept his idea that there is nothing like a Christian worldview and then to the next step which is to embrace Maori worldview with Maori gods, mauri (something like a soul) and wairua (spirit). He does not distinguish between the Holy Spirit and other spirits, does not seem to fully understand the difference between the Old Testament (covenant) and New Testament (covenant), mixes together the culture and worldview, interprets scripture in accordance with his pre-conceptions and sees the future of the church under the leadership of Maori worldview.
His main idea, the comparison of the fat big chicken representing the Western culture and lovely but extinct Huia is a typical metaphor of Critical Race Theory dichotomy oppressor versus oppressed while he ignores not only the real historical facts (the real state of pre-contact society in this country, the difference between 15th-16th century colonisation and the process of colonisation in NZ including the Treaty of Waitangi which under his pen takes a token of a sacred document) but, again in accordance with CRT practices, blames the church of betrayal of Maori in the years of wars (while the opposite is nearer the truth) and sees the way of her redemption in embracing Maori worldview. As for the extinction of Huia lamented through the whole book, he again ignores at least 30 bird species and other forms of life that became extinct during the Maori so called "stewardship".
Denigrating everything that has anything to do with the Western culture as the author does in this book opens the question: which system in the world history was and is better than Western democracy built on classical antiquity together with Judaism and Christianity? Take out the Redemption brought about by Lord Jesus Christ, substitute it with Maori animistic pagan religion and the whole will collapse.


Alexandra Corbett Dekanova

[Tim Hyslop · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and thought provoking critique of Māori and Christian interactions and a call for change in the Church of New Zealand.

Overall, very good and raises some interesting points. The main problem with this book is the brevity which it discusses big issues without really addressing the nuances.

[Stephen Tisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect time for me to read this book. Although sad to be reminded of NZ’s greedy land grabbing history, it is exciting to think we can reimagine and build a better future for Aotearoa built on a genuine partnership between two world views. Maybe we have been prepared for such a time as this?

[Hurihia Tomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing take on NZ history after the introduction of Christianity. Well researched. Well reasoned.

[Natasha Burling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I greatly appreciated learning more about my country's rich spiritual history and heritage - both good and bad. This book gave me a new appreciation for Maori culture. I also value Ruka's vision for this country's redemption. I agree that if we (as a nation) are going to heal, we (the Church) must confess the sins we've committed and look to Jesus as the Author, Perfecter and Healer of ourselves, our faith and our country. Servant-heartedness and humility are needed for a better future.
The only thing I can't align myself with in this book is some of the language Ruka uses concerning Western culture, sometimes describing it as inferior (and Maori culture as superior). Because Western secular culture has been so destructive and domineering in New Zealand, and Maori culture has been horrifically degraded and minimised, I can understand his inclination to swerve to the other extreme (even while expressing his desire for equal partnership between both worlds/cultures). This is just something to be aware of.

So much in this book confirmed things I'd already been thinking, inspired me, challenged my assumptions and taught me a lot. It's also engagingly well-written, and I highly recommend it.

[Tania Roberts-Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critically challenging your perspective - is your Christian world view reflective of the Bible or Western colonialism? Jay Ruka discusses how the Māori world parallels the Bible and origins of Christianity in New Zealand Aotearoa.

[Caitlin Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised to find that someone so different to me, via philosophies I have either rejected (Christianity) or largely ignored (spirituality in te Ao Maori), has opened my eyes to commonalities we can draw on as we create a vision for the shared future in Aotearoa. Through the lens of our history, and presenting the huia as a beautiful emblem of hope - J Ruka is channeling a powerful force.

[Matt Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Beuatiful, tragic and hopeful all rolled up into one. Seems like this book will continue to grow in importance and relevance of what NZ needs to hear. Also great example that writing is not dead in NZ, still a very important and valuable way to contribute to our society. Glad to see that there are those within NZ who value books and are willing to create something beautiful like this. Inspirational!

Hopefully Jay's words won't be like what Lesslie Newbigin was for Jay, reflecting on matters over 40-50 years ago and to a worldview that is still making the same mistakes. The hope is that we can take Jay's words to heart as a nation and actually implement them. May we not be looking back in the next 40 years and still having the same problems with no change.

The honour your mother and father part for me was a standout moment - linking the Hebrew feminine and masculine words for heaven and earth with Paptuanuku and Ranginui 👌 very convicting. And a takeaway for me is also finding more worship songs of our own land- so powerful to worship in Te Reo!

I'd love to hear more from Jay, although in it being brief he has whet my appetite to go and find more stories from our culture. Being a primary teacher I'm excited at the learning I'll be teaching implementing the Aotearoa Histories curriculum. I think you're right Jay, there is a change coming. Young people today love learning these stories, we loved celebrating Matariki just now. They don't just want the information, like you said, they are experiencing it - they want to refine what it means to be a NZer.

Thank you for writing this book! It plays an important role in stepping in the right direction. Hoping we can all play our part in this.

[Frazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why should churches in Aotearoa care about Māori spirituality, culture, and traditions?

This book calls for humility and self-examination on the part of all Kiwi Christians, but in way that manages to be laid back and non-judgemental.

These kinds of conversations - about biculuralism etc. - are only getting more heated in public fora. But I feel like most of the rhetoric out there is preaching to the choir, whichever choir that is. There's no *conversion* going on.

That's where faith can get real cut through, and where Ruka begins from. The Treaty of Waitangi should be particularly comprehensible to Christians for whom ideas of covenant and equality before God are second nature.

The book articulated some of my own thoughts about the complementarity of Christian and Māori values, particularly around stewardship of the environment. Christianity and mātauranga Māori (rightly understood) both repudiate the foundations of the individualistic and capitalistic societies that increasingly surround us.

Ruka writes simply and accessibly. It's got endnotes but it's not academic (one of them says "I've lost the source of this quote" - I feel ya). Most of the chapters ease you in with a little story or question, sermon-esque.

Thank you to the stranger at a book launch who recommended this to me!

[Jiwan Rai · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really delivers on it's promises. It's well structured and written in a very digestible tone.
It's concise enough to get through without getting lost on detail, but filled with thought provoking stories and insights.
It doesn't hold back on it's critiques of dominant culture, or try to gloss over dishonourable parts of our history, but still manages to present arguments in a fairly balanced tone.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

as a Christian and a supporter of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, I was really glad to read this book and meet the author at a local meeting. Filled me with the tragic and inspiring story of Christian Maori history together

[Poppy Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting, a few bits of funky theology here and there though...

[Cameron Haylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must read for everyone that is curious about church history in NZ.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A challenging and encouraging read. Thank you!

[Reuben Maddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convicting. Encouraging. Practical. Enlightening

[Sammy Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read for Christians in Aotearoa. I have spares on my shelf to share whenever someone is interested. A prophetic word and powerful revelation. Highly recommend!

[Rob Markley · Rating 1 out of 5]

A great tragedy plays out in this book, but not the one the author thinks he is telling. Rather what we have is a Maori man who in his early life found a pearl of great price and was greatly impacted, but lost that pearl and instead grasped to his chest a handful of plastic baubles that are merely imitations of that one special pearl. How's that for a bit of mysticism - it should resonate well with the methodology of imagery employed in the book?!

I would have hoped to classify this book with my Christian books but I don't know that I can. Initially it tries to restore the truthfully neglected Christian history of New Zealand - a worthwhile goal! But in the end fails because, firstly Ruka doesn't appear to be a very good historian - the story told is too superficial and lacking understanding. What we get instead is a shallow vaporous version of events filled with half truths and missing crucial elements. Moreover the whole telling is permeated with profound anti European racism which distorts everything.

This otherwise worthwhile attempt has led Ruka into his great error. Seeing everything through a lens of race has caused him to view everything as a conflict between Maori culture and European culture - he fails to understand that true discipleship is to grow into a a new Christian culture, something the Maori of the Treaty easily grasped. So instead Ruka falls into the quicksand of syncretism - trying to incorporate Maori spirits and gods into a then false Christianity. Out of such grave errors come all cults and many extremist political movements.

Behind the best, most convincing of lies are always elements of truth. How did Ruka come to be so misled? For one thing he draws far too many of his supporting references from deep seated haters of the gospel, and even when quoting theologians there often seems to a misreading (is it deliberate?). You can't tell a Christian story this way - 'For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Cor 6:14.'

I am saddened by all this really. There are certainly hateful people out there and there are equally wolves in sheep's clothing - too many of whom Ruka has been listening to. Ruka himself I choose to believe, genuinely thinks he is speaking a Christian message, but unfortunately he has been terribly deceived - convinced by something that only 'masquerades as an angel of light 2 Cor 11:13-14)'.

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me a little of a cross of the books Bible and Treaty and Sunday Best but is much briefer exploration of church history in Aotearoa. The vision of the huia and the giant chicken..(not moa) made a good reference point to hang the bi-cultural perspective.

What's missing I thought was more indepth look at what's happening today in maori church gatherings and pakeha church gatherings that welcome maori. The ways in which language can be a barrier or a way to praise God - I notice no mention of the gift of tongues, or people from all nations, tribes and tongues from churches that were established AFTER the colonisation eg Pentecostal expressions of faith, like Brian Tamaki. Has this just been imported from America too? But then again its important to have this basic sense of church history that shaped the nation. So am glad I read it, especially with the insights into the Maori creation stories as an understanding of Genesis. People call it 'animist' but the Chinese also have this awareness of spiritual matters, unlike the hard dualism of European philosophy from the Enlightenment era that posits that one can only exist if one thinks about it.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Zealanders suffer amnesia in relation to our own history. Ruka starts to address this. The huia represents a guardian of the forest and a symbol of unity.
Sadly huia were hunted to extinction around 1900. Their tail feathers used as fashion accessories for the wealthy. However there are plenty of chooks or farmed hens. The white settlers have overtaken the country with their farms, domestic animals, planted trees and commercial activity at the cost of native plants and animals.
Ruka reminds us of :-
Maori spirituality, of the prophesies of Toitoi who dressed as an English gent, modeled steam- powered ships. He said that the people serve the 'God who's son was killed', a good God, but warned of oppression.
of Parkihaka and its peaceful protest literally beating swords into plough shares
of Tarore, eleven year old Christian martyr.
I am so glad I read this book.

[John Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"titiro whakamuri, anga whakamua"

We go forward by looking backward.

If you are not a kiwi this book has wonderful insights, particularly in reading the Bible as story from a different perspective.

If you are kiwi and interested in faith, history, how you fit in the universe, and the places of Maori on our world, then this should be a must read.

I listened to the audio book from Auckland library, and Jay reads it himself, which makes it more intimate.

I loved the story of the Maori prophet who predicted the coming of the Europeans with the story of Jesus, but that they would still be oppressed.

And I loved the understanding of whakapapa and it's importance as a hermeneutical key to understanding the story of Scripture.

[Steve Worsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Some of the discoveries it contains I had heard previously elsewhere but what is good is how so many worldview challenging concepts are brought together in the one book. A large amount of research lies behind it but the author keeps to an easy to read style throughout.

This book shows how precious maori culture is, both to those who want to see beyond Western culture, and to christians who want to understand biblical teaching better.

Every follower of Jesus in Aotearoa should read this book. Downsize the chicken. Long live the Huia!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an atheist, I looked at this book with scepticism as it is written by a Christian minister. However putting my biases and assumptions aside and actually reading what he has to say has been enlightening. Critical of the part Christianity played in the colonisation of Aotearoa New Zealand, Jay Ruka offers a profound alternative in how Māori and Pākehā can move forwards together in a way in harmony with sustainability, environmental protection and economic security. Well worth the read.

[Blake Egan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read not just for New Zealand Christians but any Christian who want to better understand the complicated relationship the Western church has had with colonialism. Jay Ruka offers a path forward for Christianity rooted on the importance of indigenizing, and suggests that Aotearoa/New Zealand has an opportunity moving forward to lead the church by example.

[Briar Engelbrecht · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who is not Christian, this was a challenging read for me. To try and put myself into shoes I do not understand and take the concepts that will be important in my future was no easy feat.
I did however learn more than I could have hoped for, and I hope that this book will become reference to come for my clinical years.

[EJ Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book super interesting. It is a great insight into Maori History and the church in New Zealand - the kind of history you don't get in school. The format is very engaging, with lots of stories. I highly recommend this book for any Kiwi

[Farah Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely enlightening , I have been looking to find a good book that healed my illiteracy regarding the history of this country that I now call “my home” and this book was the perfect tonic .
I loved the concept of the maori culture of being a custodian of the land we are given instead of an owner .
The Maori story of their lifestyle in the 19th century sounds similar to the idyllic story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden .
From Genesis it does seem that it is Gods intention for his human creation to harmonise with the extended eco system and be a conservationist.
The concept of true partnership and accountability is a beautiful challenge that the author has left his readers with .
The author also silenced the rhetoric of textual translation of the treaty by highlighting that it is the “Spirit of the treaty that matters”.
The point that I couldn’t fully comprehend is that the author suggests that Christian understanding today is through a western cultural lens,for me personally I don’t feel that , because my understanding of my faith is bible based ( the core message of the Bible cannot vary with ones cultural inclinations or identity), however the expression of my faith may have some cultural hues , but they are entirely two different entities in my view .
I think we should be respectful to the diverse expression of one’s faith as long as the source of truth is the word of God .(All roads lead to Rome)
Different cultural expressions of one’s faith should be able to coexist (be it Māori or Anglican)peacefully and we should respect the diversity in the expression of one’s faith and no form of expression is superior to the other , it is just a mode of communication with our Maker .
I loved reading about the missionary stories , especially because around the same time of missionary activity in New Zealand there was also some amazing missionary work in India.
This book did a good job in giving an unbiased version of the missionary work and exposing the the incorrect rhetoric that was defaming the extensive good work the missionaries accomplished.
Similarly in India the missionaries were relentless in empowering women by setting up numerous finishing schools for women which was of high standards ,they played a crucial role in abolishing the practise of Sati , improving rights for women who society marginalised as lower caste .
Above all they brought in more knowledge about Christianity to the Indian shores , adding to the foundation laid by St Thomas .

[Amy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Positively outstanding! This is a work of art weaved with such beauty and grace. There is much to learn from the Maori perspective- such wisdom, a wisdom greatly misunderstood in Western thinking. Maori have had a painful journey of being robbed of so much of their identity, and even moreso because of that pain there is much to learn. As a descendent of Maori brought up in a European world and church, it places in me a longing to connect with my whakapapa and discover my identity integrating a Maori worldview.

From a Christian perspective I consider it in light of the word of God. When scripture is taken out of context it loses its beauty and meaning, and potentially becomes a dangerous lie instead of redeeming truth. The New Testament cannot be fully understood without the Old Testament story, context and whakapapa (genealogy). Similarly Maori function from the same perspective that their whakapapa and story needs to be understood from its origins in order to be able to understand the present.

I greatly agreed with Ruka that the Christian church is Western in its thinking, mentality and function. It often is run as a business instead of from a Maori angle of whakawhanaungatanga which is all about relationship and relationship building. There is something very beige about much of the Western church. It has become a club of like minded people who come together to play “who can look the best on the outside” rather than a refuge for sinful, hurting, broken people from every tribe and nation. Much of the Maori mentality would heal this.

A couple of quotes that struck me.

“Whakapapa is a value that bonds us to one another inspiring us to move forward in unison.”

“The thing that makes New Zealand stand out in the globe is our kai tiaki tanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality and generosity) a unique cultural perspective emanating from the Maori world”

[Fabio Mologni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tha assumption of the author is that the Christian god is not a cultural element, but the (mis?)interpretation of his message by western settlers is. I challenge this assumptions: both things are cultural elements. Under this assumption, any of the author's arguments can be used against him. The author aims to reconcile the two worldviews by splitting hairs and develops a narrative through cherry-picking.

Despite that, there is also quite an amount of knowledge in this book, good writing (and reading, as my copy was an audiobook).

I'm no historian, but I'm concerned by the some historical facts presented, especially their interpretation. (Toirua?) was a... Prophet? Because he foresaw the arrival of settlers in... 1766? But didn't the first Europeans arrive earlier than that? Perhaps I misunderstood. More critical to this point is the interpretation of the poor translating of the Tiriti. Whether the mistake was intentional or not, the argument of the author is flimsy at best. In any case, the matter is unresolved and suggesting one perspective as fact as the author does is simply incorrect.