Defining the Mahi
Activism isn't just marching in the street. It is any action taken to bring about social or political change. In Aotearoa, activism has a deep history connected to Tino Rangatiratanga (MÄori self-determination) and holding power to account.
š§ Do Now: Word Association
When you hear the word "Activist", what image comes to mind?
The Hero?
Someone brave fighting for rights (e.g., Kate Sheppard).
Someone brave fighting for rights (e.g., Kate Sheppard).
The Troublemaker?
Someone disrupting traffic or breaking rules.
Someone disrupting traffic or breaking rules.
Whakapapa of Resistance
Activism in New Zealand didn't start with the internet. It started with survival and sovereignty.
1881
Parihaka
Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu KÄkahi lead a campaign of passive resistance against land confiscation. No weapons, just ploughing land and sit-ins.
Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu KÄkahi lead a campaign of passive resistance against land confiscation. No weapons, just ploughing land and sit-ins.
1893
Women's Suffrage
Kate Sheppard and fellow campaigners collect 32,000 signatures (the largest petition ever at the time) to win women the right to vote.
Kate Sheppard and fellow campaigners collect 32,000 signatures (the largest petition ever at the time) to win women the right to vote.
1975
MÄori Land March
Dame Whina Cooper, at age 79, walks from Te HÄpua to Wellington under the slogan "Not One Acre More".
Dame Whina Cooper, at age 79, walks from Te HÄpua to Wellington under the slogan "Not One Acre More".
Types of Activism
Actions come in many forms. Match the action to the method.
| Type | Example | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Action | Occupying land, blocking a road | Disrupt normal life to force attention |
| Lobbying | Writing to MPs, presenting petitions | Change the law through official channels |
| Consumer Action | Boycotting a brand | Hit them in the wallet (money = power) |
| Digital Activism | Viral hashtags, online petitions | Raise awareness quickly & globally |
š± Reflection
Which method do you think is most effective today for getting a teenager's attention versus a politician's attention?