Abstract:
This thesis is covers aspects of Ngati Porou history highlighting economic change.The period 1926-1939 was a time of upheaval arising from new state approaches to Maori economic development. One of the crucial questions to be considered is whether this economically induced change fundamentally altered the cultural values of Ngati Porou, or whether Ngati Porou managed to adapt to these new modes of living and thereby retain their own self-determination. This question is posed within the framework of 'dependency theory' as outlined by Richard White. This combination of economic and cultural analysis has led to the development of the term, the 'cultural economy'.
The first chapter outlines the theoretical framework used in this study,including the challenge of telling twentieth century Maori historical narratives. The second chapter assesses the economic history of Ngati Porou up to and including the period in question, looking at how continued attempts to take part in the economic life of the country were unsuccessful,due to external factors. The third chapter looks at the inculcation of new economic systems into the lives of the people, and how day-to-day life changed in the new economy. Leadership is the topic of the fourth chapter. More specifically it looks at how Apirana Ngata encouraged the growth of a dependent economy while at the same time striving to keep Ngati Porou culture intact. Finally the last chapter deals with the non-economic life of the people, and how Ngati Porou coped with the institutions of church, state and education as well as new forms of leisure.
