Kai Kapua
After a spontaneous encounter with the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Māui Studios sentients found themselves involved in a research project that would send them into an unknown experience of a lifetime, exploring Japan and China on a three week excursion. From insane Shibuya drip, bullet trains, sacred temples, fire ramen and Great Wall haka, it’s safe to say this project encouraged an amazing exchange of cultural tradition and knowledge.
This report was produced by Ihi Research and designed with the support of Māui Studios. Our team enjoyed contributing to the development of this exciting kaupapa (initiative). The data detailed in this report provides useful insights into how Māori perceive Asian cultures, and is therefore a key set of data to support the further development of Māori relationships with Asian countries, organisations and peoples.
Māui’s role in this kaupapa was to develop a set of whakairo designs to tautoko (support) and act as kaitiaki (guardians) to the content of the report, and to those who encounter it. You’ll see them throughout the pages of the report.
This report presents the results of an online survey of more than 1400 Māori aged 15 years and over, conducted during March 2018. Its aim is to support an informed public conversation about Māori engagement with the countries and peoples of Asia. It will also be an important reference point for the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s work programmes.
The Foundation’s mission is to equip New Zealanders to thrive in Asia. As part of that mission, the Foundation looks at ways it can grow the understanding of New Zealanders’ perceptions of a large and dynamic part of the world. The Foundation has been surveying New Zealanders’ perceptions of Asia and Asian peoples for over two decades. This is the first time the Perceptions of Asia and Asian Peoples survey has been carried out from a Te Ao Māori perspective.
Late 2018 The Māui team travelled to Japan and China to explore work opportunities, and the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono asked them to film their experiences. While they were travelling, they also spoke to other Kiwis about the opportunities in the region and the cultural connections between Asia and Aotearoa. Watch the story below.