Professor Edwina Pio ONZM’s book Aotearoa and Bharat Māori-Indian explores early connections between Māori and Indians, the themes that bonded them, and profiles several people who have both Māori and Indian roots. It also describes some of the ways in which the relationship between the two communities has strengthened over the years.
The Ministry for Ethnic Communities published this important research on Waitangi Day 2023. The book was officially launched at our Cultural Kōrero event in May 2023.
Professor Pio, New Zealand’s first professor of diversity, delivered a speech which captivated the audience. She read an excerpt from her book and spoke about the importance of storytelling.
“Stories can provide a glimpse of something more eternal. To decorate, embellish, nourish and challenge our daily life. From our vulnerable positions, we accept and acknowledge diversity and possibility.”
Some of the people who featured in her book attended the event, including Matt Renata. Matt Renata, his family, and Professor Pio were later interviewed for a segment on RNZ’s Voices.
Listen to the RNZ interview with Professor Pio, Matt Renata and his family
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Read Aotearoa and Bharat Māori-Indian