Kaupapa Māori in New Zealand Public Libraries

Abstract

It is nearly two decades since Tui MacDonald first studied the experience of Māori in New\nZealand libraries. Since then libraries have seen many changes and embraced\nchallenging initiatives in creating public spaces which reflect much of the biculturalism of\nNew Zealand society. Bilingual signage has been erected, awareness and obligations to\nthe Treaty are generally better accepted and understood, and Te Rōpū Whakahau has\nhelped to ensure there is a growing professional Māori presence in our libraries. But is that\nenough? Should biculturalism not be aiming to integrate Māori values and concepts in the\nideals of the organisation? Should biculturalism not reflect an equal representation of both\nthe Pākehā (non-Māori) and the Māori worldview in the way information is organised,\ncustomers are greeted and activities are carried out in the library?\nThis research project explores the deeper commitments to biculturalism by examining the\nextent to which kaupapa Māori, or Māori knowledge frameworks, value systems, and a\nMāori worldview form part of a wider bicultural strategy within public libraries in Aotearoa.\nThe study highlights the bicultural achievements being made in public libraries as well as\nexploring the evolutionary and transformative challenges which lie ahead for the sector in\nstriving towards an epistemological and cultural balance.\nData for this research was collected using a qualitative approach involving semi-structured\ninterviews with a selection of library leaders chosen from a purposive sample of public\nlibrary services in New Zealand.\nThe findings suggest a degree of inconsistency around the integration and understanding\nof kaupapa Māori concepts and practice, depending on location and demographic. They\nindicate that while there are personal, organisational and resource barriers to fully\nincorporating a kaupapa Māori, including a lack of Māori seniority within the industry, these\nlimitations stem from political and historical roots which relate to colonialism in Aotearoa\nand the commitment to, and interpretation of, the Treaty of Waitangi. The results also\nreveal an aspiration for advancing the bicultural agenda and for exploring new paradigms\nfor reshaping European designed public libraries in ways which integrate indigenous\nworldviews.\nAs a contribution to the library and information sector body of knowledge, the subject has\nsignificance not only within New Zealand but globally, particularly in relation to the\nincorporation of indigenous worldviews in library design, development and delivery.\nOpportunities for further research include exploring Māori representation in public library\nmanagement, options for altering library classification systems and collection\narrangements to integrate indigenous worldviews and staff experiences of kaupapa Māori.

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