Research To Advance Understanding Of National Identity
MEDIA RELEASE Monday 5th September 2011 For immediate release
Research To Advance Understanding Of National
Identity
A nation-wide survey of Year 12 students
launched this week by a team of researchers at Massey
University hopes to “significantly advance our
understanding of national identity” says Veronica Tawhai,
policy lecturer at Te Pūtahi a Toi, School of Māori
Studies at Massey University and a member of the research
team.
“It is often assumed that people connect with
being a ‘New Zealander’ and have a common understanding
of what that means” says Ms Tawhai. “In reality,
people’s sense of national identity can be complex and
influenced by many things, including ethnicity and culture,
school, family and friends, and media and
technology”.
New Zealand is an increasingly diverse
and mobile society, with one in five people in New Zealand
being overseas-born. The increase in te reo Māori medium
schools, including bilingual, immersion classes and
wharekura, is also expected to have a significant impact on
students’ sense of identity. “This survey hopes to
provide a powerful snapshot into our sense of national
identity and the experiences that shape this, for both
Māori, Pākehā, those born locally and those born
overseas”.
The survey also investigates Year 12
students’ understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi, why
there are Treaty settlements, Māori seats in parliament,
and te reo Māori television and radio. “These form part
of the unique identity of our country, and yet are also some
of the most contentious issues nationally” says Ms Tawhai.
“This research will give us some indication of how
prepared young citizens are to engage in and contribute to
these debates throughout their adult life”.
The
survey is offered online and will run for the month of
September. Students who participate can go into a draw to
win an iPod Touch, and $1000 professional development funds
for their school. A letter sent to all schools inviting them
to participate has the details on how to access the
survey.
“The results of the survey will be provided
to schools, but also to government departments such as the
Ministry of Youth Affairs, Education, Health, and Te Puni
Kokiri Ministry for Māori Development, to assist their
efforts to support the positive development of our young
people and their identity” concluded Ms
Tawhai.
ENDS