Taiwan And Waipareira To Revitalise Indigenous Cultures

Media Advisory
19 SEPTEMBER / MAHURU 2011

Taiwan And Waipareira To Revitalise Indigenous Cultures

Traditional indigenous cultures in Taiwan used boats to symbolise families returning back to their homelands. The irony is that villagers resided on the mountains – and nowhere near any lakes – which is amusing for even the Taiwanese group who visited the Whanau Centre.

The Taiwanese Indigenous Education Group met with Waipareira to learn more about their approach in delivering education, health, justice and social services to Maori communities.

The Director of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Auckland, Ned Chou said the group - comprising of different counties from Taiwan every year – make an annual visit to New Zealand to explore new and innovative practices that may help preserve and rejuvenate the cultural heritage of Taiwan’s aborigines.

“Waipareira are seen to be an influential provider of services which is of interest to us as we hope to find ways of lifting economic development for our people. We want to improve the lives of indigenous groups in the areas of education and culture, health and welfare, employment and land management,” explains Mr Chou.

Taiwan indigenous peoples have changed radically. Many of them have migrated to urban parts of the country where their livelihoods are no longer based on hunting and gathering or agriculture. New generations are also losing fluency in their ancestral tongue in favour of Mandarin. Much of their traditional culture is in danger of disappearing.

The Taiwan Fellowship established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China is encouraging Maori communities to conduct research in Taiwan to explore indigenous relations between Taiwanese and Māori and explore ways to improve the lives of indigenous groups in the areas of education, health, and justice and employment management.

“Cultures and languages of some tribes in Taiwan show similarities with the indigenous people of New Zealand so it is in the best interest of our people to work together to make a difference,” says Mr Chou.

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