Since early contact, Māori have been defined by the colonisers as a “warrior race” and Māori men have come to be characterised as inherently violent. The media perpetuate and reinforce this image: for example, the majority of babies who die as a result of child abuse are not Māori, yet Māori child abuse is always highlighted in media coverage. The Toa tradition has always been about being strong, but not just in a physical sense – it also demands emotional and psychological strength. However, as a result of colonisation these traditions have been affected by European male identity, which inhibits the finer emotions and roles such as nurturing. Tāne need to reclaim these aspects of Māori masculinity. We also need to think about mana wāhine, which has been affected by colonial views about the status of women in society. We need to fully reclaim the cultural norms of equal, complementary roles for men and women. In terms of taking the Tāne Ora kaupapa forward, the purpose and direction of the waka need to be carefully determined. As tangata whenua we need to be able to make decisions in our own land – much of our poor health status relates to lack of political power.
