Exploring The Cyber-Rohe: Māori Identity And The Internet

Abstract

This thesis investigates the internet as a site of identity construction and poses the question "Does the internet contribute to Māori identity offline?" at its core. Previous research in this area concentrated on Māori language use online or was otherwise focused. A comprehensive exploration of Māori cyberspace and its use is missing to this day. This thesis hence has two objectives; firstly to develop a broad but in-depth understanding of the Māori webspace and secondly to investigate Māori internet users' experiences. Engagement with theoretical and conceptual secondary literature provides the necessary background information to contextualize the empirical part of this thesis which consists of a mixed-methods approach: hyperlink network analysis, investigation of sample-sites regarding their content and language use, online questionnaires directed at Māori website providers and semi-structured interviews with regular users of Māori internet sites. The research concludes that the internet can indeed be considered a relevant site of identity negotiation and assertion of Māori as an ethnic group. It was found that a wide range of content pertinent to Māoridom was made available, the Māori language was utilized and the internet's structure was increasingly indigenized. However, on the level of the individual the internet's potential as a site of identity construction is more ambivalent and is strongly linked to each person's life circumstances. The research showed that while an increasing number of Māori gain access to the internet, content concerned with Māori cultural knowledge is limited in depth. Māori with a strong identity and with ready access to knowledgeable individuals view face-to-face interaction as paramount when learning about Māoridom. Those with a strong identity as Māori but who cannot easily approach knowledgeable people face-to-face due to their circumstances perceived access to information online to be paramount. Both groups then see the internet similarly unsuitable in furthering their Māori identity but their reasons differ; the first because they value traditional practices and the latter because their level of knowledge exceeds the basic information available online. The internet, this research concludes, is hence most apt to function as a starting point for individuals discovering or asserting their identity as Māori.