Imagining Decolonisation

by Bianca Elkington, Rebecca Kiddle, Moana Jackson

Decolonisation is a term that alarms some, and gives hope to others. It is an uncomfortable and often bewildering concept for many New Zealanders. This book seeks to demystify decolonisation using illuminating, real-life examples. By exploring the impact of colonisation on Māori and non-Māori alike, Imagining Decolonisation presents a transformative vision of a country that is fairer for all.

Genres: Nonfiction

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2020

Reviews

[Aleisha Amohia · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’ve been reading this in drips over a couple years … it took me so long because i felt like i needed to process everything and some of that processing was really painful and traumatic. but this truly is one of the most important texts - most of it is very introductory, and i feel like it should be on a school reading list or something so that everyone has to read it because it’s core to living in nz to be able to understand this history and way forward. what a taonga

[Francesca Algie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every New Zealander. The analysis of colonisation was accessible and enlightening. This book made me completely rethink colonisation and decolonisation as ongoing processes rather than just an ‘event’. My only regret is that I didn’t read this sooner

[Luigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting thought provoking book. As someone from a multicultural family, I have struggled with this concept which is part of the undercurrent of our lives in New Zealand. I can’t go back to where I came from. Most of my immediate family including my wife and therefore my children are part Maori which creates a dilemma. This book shares a number of points of view. I didn’t finish the book with many answers, and I didn’t expect to. It is a good thing to remember how this country as we know it came to be as it is. We can learn a lot from each other.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely worth a read. Both a good introduction to the topic, plus thought provoking stories and ideas for people already familiar with the concept.

[Mark Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Challenging and informative, and an excellent introduction to the complexity both of decolonisation as a concept and its potential implementation.

[Sam Gribben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Food for thought
Takeaways.
Colonisation is not a historic event. It didn’t happen in the past. It is on going.
What is pakeha culture? What could NZ look like if tino rangatiratanga existed?

[Didier Goossens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rooted in the now time and relevant. Decolonisation is beneficial to all.

[Kere Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic little book to introduce us to important and vital ideas for the future

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very important and thought provoking. Recommend every NZer reads it.

[Mj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important kōrero. The last chapter had me shook. This book should be part of school curriculum. This book should be read by every New Zealander. This book is IT!!

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read that guides readers to better understand our past, present & future and the many layers of colonization.

[Michael Howden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Imaging Decolonisation provides an exciting insight into the future of our country. It considers the story of colonisation as an abusive marriage, where the whare (house) we agreed to share in the Treaty of Waitangi was never shared equally, creating the imbalance we are left with today. Decolonisation is not about the removal of the coloniser, but a fundamental shift from the current structures, values and norms we have inherited from the project of colonisation, many of which are so pervasive that they subtlety continue today.

The book did provide uncomfortable reflections on my own actions past and present, it helped me helpful in thinking about how I might do better in the future. I appreciate that the project of decolonisation is one to be led by Māori, re-balancing our relationship, and imagining new stories.

As a Pākehā, there is still work for me in understanding my own history and culture (as a fifth-generation New Zealander), being prepared to let go of the privilege that comes with this, but more importantly, trusting the accounts of Māori and following their direction. I'm also starting to critically explore our stories around scientific determinism, property and money, to better understand their place in the new stories to be told about Aotearoa!

It would be interesting to know what reflections others have had from reading this book or on other journeys of decolonisation...