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Becoming Pakeha
A journey between two cultures
After more than 200 years of co-existence under the umbrella of a unique treaty, you might think things would be better than ever. In this perceptive and piercing book, John Bluck argues that Pākehā and Māori worlds grow ever more the Aotearoa of today is a landscape of two predominant cultures, overlaid with so many others, fractured and more likely to erupt than Ruapehu. But has it always been this way?
Becoming Pākehā follows the author's life, growing up as a Pākehā in a Māori village in the 1950s, and illustrates how New Zealand used to be, the history and shared experience that shaped it. The book also discusses the discomfort of being Pākehā today, and how Pākehā might live with their past and get used to the wearing the name, until they find a better one.
Looking at everything from failed models of bicultural harmony to what's likely to bring the treaty partners together - or push them further apart - Becoming Pākehā is a timely read for anyone who wants to understand Māori-Pākehā relations in Aotearoa New Zealand today.
'This is a book I've long been trying not to write. It ought to be easy, but it's not. I began under the cover of a pseudonym, because some of my friends who will read it won't stay friends. Then I decided not to worry about that. And besides, it has to be a personal story, as it is for many other unsettled Pākehā who relish the privilege of living here, and have spent a lifetime trying to belong in this land.'
After more than 200 years of co-existence under the umbrella of a unique treaty, you might think things would be better than ever. In this perceptive and piercing book, John Bluck argues that Pākehā and Māori worlds grow ever more the Aotearoa of today is a landscape of two predominant cultures, overlaid with so many others, fractured and more likely to erupt than Ruapehu. But has it always been this way?
Becoming Pākehā follows the author's life, growing up as a Pākehā in a Māori village in the 1950s, and illustrates how New Zealand used to be, the history and shared experience that shaped it. The book also discusses the discomfort of being Pākehā today, and how Pākehā might live with their past and get used to the wearing the name, until they find a better one.
Looking at everything from failed models of bicultural harmony to what's likely to bring the treaty partners together - or push them further apart - Becoming Pākehā is a timely read for anyone who wants to understand Māori-Pākehā relations in Aotearoa New Zealand today.
'This is a book I've long been trying not to write. It ought to be easy, but it's not. I began under the cover of a pseudonym, because some of my friends who will read it won't stay friends. Then I decided not to worry about that. And besides, it has to be a personal story, as it is for many other unsettled Pākehā who relish the privilege of living here, and have spent a lifetime trying to belong in this land.'
- GenresNonfictionMemoirSociety
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2022
About the author
John Bluck
25 books2 followersJohn William Bluck was the 14th Anglican Bishop of Waiapu from 2002 to 2008
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 5, 2023
Firstly I don't know if it is entirely my place to give a review of how good this book is, as I think the measure of how "good" it is would probably be whether it effectively impacts pākehā to make changes that improve the lives of everyone in Aotearoa, and that will differ from person to person. Also, I would be interested to hear endorsement or criticism from Māori about the book to avoid accidentally falling into a white echo chamber.
Now that disclaimer is out of the way: I found a great deal of the book very thought-provoking and clearly well-researched and heartfelt. The first third felt more memoir-like and less interesting to me - perhaps because I have no interest in the Church and its seemingly endless structures and offshoots and titles. Also as someone who didn't grow up in Aotearoa NZ, sometimes whole paragraphs were a mystery to me when the author referenced certain people or publications: so much name dropping. The last two-thirds were much easier to read and more interesting and it got better and better as it went on, with some ambitious and hopeful sentiments at the end.
I enjoyed how current the book is - very up to date which is helpful in an ever changing environment like race relations. It raised some interesting questions and for me as someone born in England but with half my family from here in Aotearoa, it gave me some good insight into what it must feel like to be pulled between feeling you belong somewhere and knowing you are in that place because of colonisation.
I think I would recommend it; I also might go through it and just pull out the best bits for people. I think I wanted more meat and less memoir! It was interesting to hear about the authors childhood in Nūhaka. I appreciated that he didn't pull punches or sugarcoat any of his reflections or advice. I would give 3.5 stars if I could!
Now that disclaimer is out of the way: I found a great deal of the book very thought-provoking and clearly well-researched and heartfelt. The first third felt more memoir-like and less interesting to me - perhaps because I have no interest in the Church and its seemingly endless structures and offshoots and titles. Also as someone who didn't grow up in Aotearoa NZ, sometimes whole paragraphs were a mystery to me when the author referenced certain people or publications: so much name dropping. The last two-thirds were much easier to read and more interesting and it got better and better as it went on, with some ambitious and hopeful sentiments at the end.
I enjoyed how current the book is - very up to date which is helpful in an ever changing environment like race relations. It raised some interesting questions and for me as someone born in England but with half my family from here in Aotearoa, it gave me some good insight into what it must feel like to be pulled between feeling you belong somewhere and knowing you are in that place because of colonisation.
I think I would recommend it; I also might go through it and just pull out the best bits for people. I think I wanted more meat and less memoir! It was interesting to hear about the authors childhood in Nūhaka. I appreciated that he didn't pull punches or sugarcoat any of his reflections or advice. I would give 3.5 stars if I could!
December 31, 2022
Not as informative as I had hoped, except for the initial chapter or two.
July 5, 2024
The narrative style of the book, while engaging, seems to gloss over the destructive impact of Pākehā settler behaviours towards Māori over generations. The author fails to highlight the responsibility of Pākehā to address and make sufficient redress to ensure that Māori can live their best lives now and in the future.
Further it did not sufficiently address the title ‘Becoming Pākehā’ either personally or with Pākehā as a cultural group. Perhaps the unsettling that occurs when grappling with Pākehā as an identity and the colonising beliefs and ways our peoples have treated Māori was too hard to sustain.
Further it did not sufficiently address the title ‘Becoming Pākehā’ either personally or with Pākehā as a cultural group. Perhaps the unsettling that occurs when grappling with Pākehā as an identity and the colonising beliefs and ways our peoples have treated Māori was too hard to sustain.
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June 3, 2023I’d asked for recommendations for some good non-fiction and this is the first rec that came through.
Bluck's book seeks to open dialogue between Māori and Pākehā. While he doesn't pull any punches about the past (and more recent) mistreatment Māori and the widespread dismissal of Te Ao Māori, tries to direct people away from blame and division and towards the acceptance and embracing of our differences.
Bluck points out that any hoped for unity might also be helped by Pākehā figuring out their own identity (we live in this country, but our roots and culture are often in/from other places e.g. the UK), and once we're all comfortable in our own skin, we'll feel more secure to find that shared path.
I feel as though this is one of those books that you’re either going to be on board with the message from the start and have even been looking for something like this; or you’re going to reject it before you get past paragraph one. Still, I'd like to think that some people will start on one-side of the fence and be swayed.
Bluck's book seeks to open dialogue between Māori and Pākehā. While he doesn't pull any punches about the past (and more recent) mistreatment Māori and the widespread dismissal of Te Ao Māori, tries to direct people away from blame and division and towards the acceptance and embracing of our differences.
Bluck points out that any hoped for unity might also be helped by Pākehā figuring out their own identity (we live in this country, but our roots and culture are often in/from other places e.g. the UK), and once we're all comfortable in our own skin, we'll feel more secure to find that shared path.
I feel as though this is one of those books that you’re either going to be on board with the message from the start and have even been looking for something like this; or you’re going to reject it before you get past paragraph one. Still, I'd like to think that some people will start on one-side of the fence and be swayed.
July 24, 2024
Honestly, based on the title, I was highly sceptical to even pick this book up on the bookshop, and really didn't know if I'd enjoy reading it or hate it.
Thankfully, my reservations were wrong, I really loved it, and I now have a huge admiration for the pākēhā author, John Bluck.
This book is part bio/memoir (which is fascinating) and part commentary on the state of biculturalism or multiculturalism in Aotearoa today. Although some reviewers complained about that, I found it to the be the perfect combination to keep my attention, enjoy the read, and also learn a whole lot of stuff about our history that I didn't know, while contemplating some new ideas about NZers learning to live together in harmony.
My one main gripe is the title. It's continued to bother me all the way to the end of the book. Near the end I finally understood why he named it "Becoming Pākēhā", but that didn't change my opinion of it. I strongly feel that it's badly named. Mostly for 2 reasons:
1. The word pākēhā is so loaded and is off-putting for SO MANY people. I'm raised pākēhā but part of my whakapapa is Māori. I now sit with one foot on each side of the fence, however as an adult I had to intentionally involve myself in my Māori whakapapa, in order to get a pretty good understanding of both sides.
It was my Māori side that was feeling defensive and getting prepared to be offended, just looking at the title of this book! And for this reason, the title strongly risks isolating Māori like myself, who have grown up being indoctrinated by the invented histories of the colonisers, and are constantly searching for more of the truth and the other side of the story.
But equally, for pākēhā, whom this book is clearly aimed at, I think the very ones who really NEED to read this, wouldn't even think of touching it because of the use of that explosive word.
Clearly John Bluck has strong positive feelings about this word, and is trying to encourage it's acceptance and usage, but I feel that putting it on the title was a bad move.
2. The title is obviously inspired by Michael King's oddly and offensively-named, controversial and potentially racist 1976 bio "Being Pakeha Now: Reflections and Recollections of a White Native" (often mistakenly abbreviated to "Being Pakeha").
This seemingly-intentional similarity unfortunately leaves John Bluck's 2022 book wide open to be confused with a highly criticised book written almost 50 years ago. Personally, I was confused, hence my hesitation to pick this book up in the bookshop, thinking it was the racially offensive book I'd heard about.
Overall, try to overlook the title and I think you'll find this read really enjoyable and educational.
Thankfully, my reservations were wrong, I really loved it, and I now have a huge admiration for the pākēhā author, John Bluck.
This book is part bio/memoir (which is fascinating) and part commentary on the state of biculturalism or multiculturalism in Aotearoa today. Although some reviewers complained about that, I found it to the be the perfect combination to keep my attention, enjoy the read, and also learn a whole lot of stuff about our history that I didn't know, while contemplating some new ideas about NZers learning to live together in harmony.
My one main gripe is the title. It's continued to bother me all the way to the end of the book. Near the end I finally understood why he named it "Becoming Pākēhā", but that didn't change my opinion of it. I strongly feel that it's badly named. Mostly for 2 reasons:
1. The word pākēhā is so loaded and is off-putting for SO MANY people. I'm raised pākēhā but part of my whakapapa is Māori. I now sit with one foot on each side of the fence, however as an adult I had to intentionally involve myself in my Māori whakapapa, in order to get a pretty good understanding of both sides.
It was my Māori side that was feeling defensive and getting prepared to be offended, just looking at the title of this book! And for this reason, the title strongly risks isolating Māori like myself, who have grown up being indoctrinated by the invented histories of the colonisers, and are constantly searching for more of the truth and the other side of the story.
But equally, for pākēhā, whom this book is clearly aimed at, I think the very ones who really NEED to read this, wouldn't even think of touching it because of the use of that explosive word.
Clearly John Bluck has strong positive feelings about this word, and is trying to encourage it's acceptance and usage, but I feel that putting it on the title was a bad move.
2. The title is obviously inspired by Michael King's oddly and offensively-named, controversial and potentially racist 1976 bio "Being Pakeha Now: Reflections and Recollections of a White Native" (often mistakenly abbreviated to "Being Pakeha").
This seemingly-intentional similarity unfortunately leaves John Bluck's 2022 book wide open to be confused with a highly criticised book written almost 50 years ago. Personally, I was confused, hence my hesitation to pick this book up in the bookshop, thinking it was the racially offensive book I'd heard about.
Overall, try to overlook the title and I think you'll find this read really enjoyable and educational.
June 21, 2023
John Bluck provides a thought-provoking account of his life and his reflections on the state and prospect for relationships between Māori and Pākehā. This is an important addition to the texts on a similar theme, coming from someone who is eminently qualified to express his views, and who comes from a position of both compassion, optimism and personal experience. The book is divided into four parts, covering his life “between two cultures”, where we are, ways ahead and finding a shared path. It is a book that he said he has long tried not to write, that should be easy but is not, and in today’s society it is becoming harder.
Bluck’s insights acknowledge the cultural differences that exist between Māori and Pākehā, and he advocates efforts to better communicate and understand one another. He acknowledges difficulties with the term, Pākehā, being a Māori term for what is not-Māori and that includes an increasing diversity of later immigrants to this land. Bluck mentions a host of Māori and Pākehā thinkers on the subject, many of whom he has met, and his reference list gives valuable further reading.
Positive features of the book
1. The book addresses a very topical, important and challenging need for discussion and action.
2. It is well written by an experienced communicator who conveys his authority and authenticity.
3. It is thought-provoking and avoids being didactic.
4. It can be read cover-to-cover or as a series of four essays which are self-contained yet connected.
Negative features of the book
1. In trying to cater to the wide spectrum of positions that Pākehā hold on bicultural relationships, the author risks not satisfying those taking any one position. For me, this gap was in describing and understanding Māori aspirations as a precursor to the mutual understanding needed for trust and partnership to work.
2. Related to that point, the author did not fully explore the current perceptions of co-governance and importance to Māori of self-determination.
3. The dozens of quick references to quotations of Māori and Pākehā thinkers left me wanting more.
4. If read as four essays the repetition between sections would be less of an issue.
I am grateful to the New Zealand Book Discussion Scheme for providing my review copy.
Bluck’s insights acknowledge the cultural differences that exist between Māori and Pākehā, and he advocates efforts to better communicate and understand one another. He acknowledges difficulties with the term, Pākehā, being a Māori term for what is not-Māori and that includes an increasing diversity of later immigrants to this land. Bluck mentions a host of Māori and Pākehā thinkers on the subject, many of whom he has met, and his reference list gives valuable further reading.
Positive features of the book
1. The book addresses a very topical, important and challenging need for discussion and action.
2. It is well written by an experienced communicator who conveys his authority and authenticity.
3. It is thought-provoking and avoids being didactic.
4. It can be read cover-to-cover or as a series of four essays which are self-contained yet connected.
Negative features of the book
1. In trying to cater to the wide spectrum of positions that Pākehā hold on bicultural relationships, the author risks not satisfying those taking any one position. For me, this gap was in describing and understanding Māori aspirations as a precursor to the mutual understanding needed for trust and partnership to work.
2. Related to that point, the author did not fully explore the current perceptions of co-governance and importance to Māori of self-determination.
3. The dozens of quick references to quotations of Māori and Pākehā thinkers left me wanting more.
4. If read as four essays the repetition between sections would be less of an issue.
I am grateful to the New Zealand Book Discussion Scheme for providing my review copy.
August 26, 2024
Sweet Reasonableness
There’s a verse in the Bible that encourages Christians to let our “sweet reasonableness” be felt by all, and that is what John Bluck has infused into this book.
With self-effacing storytelling and the wisdom that can perhaps only come from an elder, Bluck takes us through his own bicultural journey, and puts the current Aotearoa race relations landscape into perspective.
Becoming Pākeha is a gentle but unmistakable call to pākeha to take responsibility for ourselves and find our place in history. It is also resolutely optimistic, which is a tad jarring in light of the new government of the 2023 election. However optimism goes hand in hand with patience. Highly recommended.
There’s a verse in the Bible that encourages Christians to let our “sweet reasonableness” be felt by all, and that is what John Bluck has infused into this book.
With self-effacing storytelling and the wisdom that can perhaps only come from an elder, Bluck takes us through his own bicultural journey, and puts the current Aotearoa race relations landscape into perspective.
Becoming Pākeha is a gentle but unmistakable call to pākeha to take responsibility for ourselves and find our place in history. It is also resolutely optimistic, which is a tad jarring in light of the new government of the 2023 election. However optimism goes hand in hand with patience. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2023
the whole time I was reading this I thought I wasn't really getting much out of it. I found the biographical bits a little airy fairy, perhaps I'm not the target audience as 'woke Māori' as I am, but towards the end it got nice and meaty. the last chapter ... oh he dared to dream didn't he? lmao. I'd have given this two stars but the amount of questions it's raised for me means that there's quite a bit I can pull out of this book. plus he name-drops so many new artists, films, authors and musicians I can follow up on after this !!
April 25, 2023
This hit very close to home, literally in that he now lives close to where I grew up. if he were able to crowbar this text into the community there- that would be his core audience I think. There’s repetition here with much I have learned elsewhere (Huia come home, the Spinoff etc) but it’s still useful to reinforce what is still newly re learned history for me.
I struggle with the idea of biculturalism (multiculturalism is where it’s at) but it was good to see he struggles with that too. As other reviewers noted, it would be interesting to know Māori responses to this…
I struggle with the idea of biculturalism (multiculturalism is where it’s at) but it was good to see he struggles with that too. As other reviewers noted, it would be interesting to know Māori responses to this…
January 13, 2023
An interesting book that considers how to bridge the ‘gap’ between Maori and pakeha in Aotearoa. To those who are camped in their seperate states of cultural identity this book is very controversial. For those of us who are more comfortable being ‘in the middle’ then this book doesn’t go quite far enough. A very well balanced read that challenges and informs.
December 11, 2022
Excellent. A book every Pākehā needs to reflect on. Bluck is a gifted writer and a keen mind for the conceptual difficulties and opportunities that await us in Aotearoa as we progress further into shared society. Insightful, timely, and enlightening... a book I wish I might have written myself.
February 8, 2024
I've abandoned this book. I'm 3/4's of the way through but I just don't feel like pushing myself to finish it. I'm sure it is a great book for someone, but that someone is not me... i'm not the demographic for this one.
December 2, 2024
Excellent reading and very insightful. John Bluck has a wealth of knowledge and experience which has enabled him to write sensitively and plainly about a topic that can generate discomfort and difficulty for so many. We need more like him.
December 19, 2022
Everyone should read this insightful book, Tangata whenua and Tangata Tiriti
May 5, 2024
Very interesting
June 5, 2024
A helpful book for sparking positive conversations about race in New Zealand. The memoir section is a fascinating journey through decades of cultural change in New Zealand.
April 10, 2026
This book was more of a biography of the author, rather than an informative look at Pākehā identity. Thats not a bad thing, just not what I was after.
April 12, 2023
Disclaimer: pākehā reader. I thought the perspective was something that is super unique to this book- we hardly ever read of pākehā growing up in Te ao Māori. However, I wish it was a bit more challenging/confronting and got you thinking a bit more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews