Protest Tautohetohe: Resistance, Persistence and Defiance: 2019

Description

For a small, peaceful democracy in the South Pacific, New Zealand has had its fair share of major protest issues, and over the decades New Zealanders have become adept at mobilising around causes. From protest about war - be it the New Zealand Wars, the Great War, the Vietnam War or the invasion of Iraq - to trade union action, protests against apartheid and nuclear ship visits, protest for the rights of women and LGBTQI people, protests for better race relations and to protect the environment, and protest to save key services and protect heritage, Aotearoa New Zealand has a long legacy of activism. This richly illustrated book brings together the objects made by protesters to proclaim and symbolise their causes and their struggles. From banners to badges, t-shirts to teatowels, posters to photographs, it is a vivid reflection of 250 years of resistance and persistence.

Stephanie Gibson is Curator Contemporary Life & Culture at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. She is researching the material and visual culture of protest, conflict and reform, as well as everyday life in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her continuing museological research focuses on museums and community participation. Matariki WIlliams (Tuhoe, Te Atiawa, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Hauiti) is Curator Matauranga Maori at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. She has a broad interest in the intersections within te ao Maori and how this contributes to a diverse contemporary Maori society. Puawai Cairns (Ngati Pukenga, Ngati Ranginui, Ngaiterangi) is the Head of Matauranga Maori at Te Papa. She specialises in contemporary social history research and collecting to reflect the stories of Maori communities.

'This book is a valuable koha to those who missed class or were born away from the roots of knowledge. It is a fresh taonga for the bookshelf, and necessary for anyone who tells you how perfect New Zealand is' - Jessica Thompson Carr, Landfall Review Online; 'From a strong pool of contenders, one book stood above the others, not only achieving excellence in writing, illustration and design, but also - crucially - tackling a vast and significant topic worthy of these urgent times'; 'Readers are drawn into Aotearoa's rich and raw stories from contact to now. Engaging, insightful and incredibly well-researched texts by multiple authors provide a cohesive and strong overall narrative, covering a huge breadth of our history and the themes that define us as a nation' - Ockham judges' comments;