Non-Human Agency and Narrative in the Hauraki Region : Māori connections to Waihou, Ohinemuri, and Te Rae-o-Te-Papa

Abstract

With a focus on Hauraki landmarks, Māori concepts of non-human agency and the relationship to storytelling will be discussed to argue the legitimacy and functionality of pūrākau as a source of knowledge, as well as the livingness of non-human others such as mountains, and rivers. Analyses of the Waihou river and Te Rae-o-Te-Papa mountain will consider their related Hauraki pūrākau, and the connections Māori have to non-human others as ancestors and significant figures in genealogical recitals. These sites will also be discussed in regards to legislative and Western literary practices which have suppressed non-human self-governance, and thus Māori beliefs as they pertain to non-human others. Lastly, creative research practice will be looked at to indicate the associations made between this written component, and the studio component of this course.