Being Maori Chinese: Mixed Identities

by Manying Ip

Presenting the stories behind several generations of seven Maori-Chinese families whose voices have seldom been heard before, this account casts a fascinating light on the historical and contemporary relations between Maori and Chinese in New Zealand. The two groups first came into contact in the late 19th century and often lived and interacted closely, leading to intermarriage and large families. By the 1930s, proximity and similarities had brought many Maori-Chinese families together, the majority of whom had to deal with cultural differences and discrimination. The growing political confidence of Maori since the 1970s and the more recent tensions around Asian immigration have put pressure on the relationship and the families’ dual identities. Today’s Maori-Chinese, reaffirming their multiple roots and cultural advantages, are playing increasingly important roles in New Zealand society. This account is oral history at its most compelling—an absorbing read for anyone interested in the complex yet rewarding topic of cultural interactions between indigenous and immigrant groups.

Genres: Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Soph]

These perspectives feel very rooted in the time that this book was published (the 00s!) and I’m very curious how much of their views about cultural identity in Aotearoa would’ve changed since. This is mostly a series of mini memoirs about seven families, but with occasional broader insight into Māori culture, Chinese culture, and race relations in Aotearoa. It was definitely worth the read!

[Shane Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books about the history of Aotearoa New Zealand tend to predominantly be concerned with the history of Pakeha. When alternate ethnic groups are acknowledged to exist, it is often through the lens of how they relate to Pakeha. Therefore it is always refreshing, and important, when it is remembered that despite their hegemonic position, Pakeha are not limits of history. In this book Manying Ip draws on interviews she conducted with five Maori Chinese families. Doing so presents us with an opportunity to get a more enriched, and inclusive, look at our country's history.

I found this book to be incredibly entertaining and informative. As someone who is incredibly interested in theories of ethnicity, I found this work to be quite illuminative and a very good companion. Historical context is highlighted for instance when she explores the experiences of people in different periods of Aotearoa New Zealand history. How one experiences their ethnic identity is influenced very much by sociocultural context. As this work highlighted, this context does not remain static at all. The experiences of youth today are quite a bit different to those growing up in the 1920s for instance. Not only that but as people actually continue to live through changing contexts, the manner in which they perceive their identity does not remain static. I found the explorations of how their perceptions and ethnic identifications changed throughout their lives, and not in a linear manner, to be valuable. It really brings home the point the social identity is not a neatly packaged destination, but rather a journey which one is constantly travelling. In general the way it compliments abstract theory of ethnicity has me really excited.

On another level it is also of interest in concerns to understandings of what constitutes a nation. Throughout the interviews with the families, various topics of national interest were discussed. Multiculturalism, the Treaty of Waitangi and Immigration were touched on. For people interested in such topics, they will find these perspectives to be of interest. Due to the nature of the book, these are in the form of more casual, not to be confused with uninformed, commentary. On that note this book is invaluable in how it brings more abstract topics of nationalism, ethnic relations and such to a more personal level. Often when discussing more abstract elements of politics and sociocultural theory we do so in a manner which paradoxically removes the people from the discussion. Politics is, or should be, about the people after all.

The writing style and presentation of this book makes it incredibly accessible to a wider audience. Which is quite important, as the material covered does have wide reaching importance. I would hope that this work does enjoy a wide readership as the understanding of people's experiences and live's provides a very crucial contribution towards the enhancing of social relations and, importantly, the addressing of sociocultural inequalities. A very highly recommended book!

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 3 out of 5]

This became a three to four star read for me - my review, my rating – due to the writing style, which reads as an almost verbatim, resharing of each person's interview and then the author's analysis of the same .... maybe that was the tone the author was aiming for: a relaxed, conversational tone interspersed with a researcher' s dissection of the same?
I think portions of this could be a challenging read for many New Zealanders, different challenges for different people for different reasons: I’m a first generation New Zealander and still found snippets of it to be so … there’s nothing like having someone make disparaging remarks about your own culture, ethnic group because of their life experiences and world view. Good spots for self-evaluation; and, a perfect Waitangi Day pre-read.