Tangohia Mai Te Taura: Reclaiming Identity, Justice, and Belonging Through Māori Documentary Practice

Abstract

This article presents the practice-led doctoral research project “Tangohia Mai Te Taura: Take This Rope,” conducted by Māori scholar Toiroa Williams. The research examines historical injustice, identity, belonging, and connections to whenua (land) through Māori documentary practices, centring specifically on the unjust execution of Chief Mokomoko in 1866 and its enduring impact on Te Whakatōhea iwi. The central research question explores how Māori documentary methods can authentically represent and elevate whānau narratives while addressing sensitive historical and cultural issues. Contextually, the study engages with historical narratives surrounding Chief Mokomoko and Reverend Carl Sylvius Völkner, examining their broader implications for iwi identity, historical memory, and ongoing struggles for restitution. It situates itself within established Māori documentary traditions, referencing influential filmmakers such as Barry Barclay and Merata Mita, and contemporary practitioners who employ multimodal storytelling approaches. Methodologically, the research is grounded in a kaupapa Māori framework, integrating pūrākau (traditional storytelling) and heuristic inquiry. Multimodal narrative methods including photography, poetry, waiata (songs), whakatauākī (proverbs), and mōteatea (laments) were employed within the installation documentary Tangata~Whenua. The study contributes to indigenous documentary practices by demonstrating effective methodologies for culturally grounded narrative representation. It offers reflections on methodological complexities, ethical considerations, and community engagement, providing recommendations for future indigenous practice-led research.