title: Kava, the devil, and the snake: Pentecostal iconoclasm in contemporary Fiji

authors: Aporosa, S. 'Apo'

subjects: Kava

abstract: In his book, The Polynesian Iconoclasm, Jeff Sissons (2014) explains that within a short period of time during the early 1800’s a number of island societies in eastern Polynesia desecrated or destroyed many of their temples and sacred icons as part of their process of rejecting traditional cosmologies and embracing Christianity. This included the renunciation of kava use and the destruction of kava related utensils such as kumete and tanoa (kava bowls). Although some people within these societies recently have begun reengaging with kava and its related practices as part of cultural renaissance, scepticism remains. In Tonga, Samoa and Fiji (with Fiji having both Melanesian and Polynesian influences), iconoclasm was experienced with less intensity than elsewhere in Polynesia. For instance, although the early missionaries encouraged the destruction of weapons of warfare and objects linked to traditional worship, kava and its use was mostly ignored. Indeed, in the case of both Methodism and Roman Catholicism, kava was incorporated into Christian rituals. 
However, over the past thirty years, Pentecostal Christian groups have gained traction in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Their teachings call for the necessity to be ‘born again’, which often includes the rejection of traditional cultural conventions. For some, particularly in Fiji, the ‘born again’ message includes the renunciation of kava, a practice these Christian groups argue has its foundations in ancestral worship and ‘the workings of the Devil’. After the preaching of anti-kava messages, Church services and rallies can conclude with fervent displays of kava utensil destruction. This paper considers the recent aspect of Pentecostalism, with its anti-kava ideology and associated destruction of kava-related implements, as a present day manifestation of a much older pattern of “Polynesian Iconoclasm”.

text: Kava, the devil, and the snake: Pentecostal iconoclasm in contemporary Fiji In his book, The Polynesian Iconoclasm, Jeff Sissons (2014) explains that within a short period of time during the early 1800’s a number of island societies in eastern Polynesia desecrated or destroyed many of their temples and sacred icons as part of their process of rejecting traditional cosmologies and embracing Christianity. This included the renunciation of kava use and the destruction of kava related utensils such as kumete and tanoa (kava bowls). Although some people within these societies recently have begun reengaging with kava and its related practices as part of cultural renaissance, scepticism remains. In Tonga, Samoa and Fiji (with Fiji having both Melanesian and Polynesian influences), iconoclasm was experienced with less intensity than elsewhere in Polynesia. For instance, although the early missionaries encouraged the destruction of weapons of warfare and objects linked to traditional worship, kava and its use was mostly ignored. Indeed, in the case of both Methodism and Roman Catholicism, kava was incorporated into Christian rituals. 
However, over the past thirty years, Pentecostal Christian groups have gained traction in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Their teachings call for the necessity to be ‘born again’, which often includes the rejection of traditional cultural conventions. For some, particularly in Fiji, the ‘born again’ message includes the renunciation of kava, a practice these Christian groups argue has its foundations in ancestral worship and ‘the workings of the Devil’. After the preaching of anti-kava messages, Church services and rallies can conclude with fervent displays of kava utensil destruction. This paper considers the recent aspect of Pentecostalism, with its anti-kava ideology and associated destruction of kava-related implements, as a present day manifestation of a much older pattern of “Polynesian Iconoclasm”.

year: 2019

title: The Crucible of Language: How Language and Mind Create Meaning

authors: Calude, Andreea S.

subjects: Social Sciences

abstract: Among the chief qualities of The Crucible, apart from the charming writing style, is its ability to bring to light, in a highly readable form for a non-expert audience, the complex problems that researching language raises. The Crucible is therefore a worthy and long-awaited addition to current works on language, and one which is sure to bring much joy and excitement to anyone who has ever wondered about how meaning arises. The book is also testament to the fact that no explanation of any complex phenomenon can ever be done on neutral territory; each such explanation is anchored in a particular approach or belief, and seen through the lens of a particular theoretical leaning– and researching language is no exception.

text: The Crucible of Language: How Language and Mind Create Meaning Among the chief qualities of The Crucible, apart from the charming writing style, is its ability to bring to light, in a highly readable form for a non-expert audience, the complex problems that researching language raises. The Crucible is therefore a worthy and long-awaited addition to current works on language, and one which is sure to bring much joy and excitement to anyone who has ever wondered about how meaning arises. The book is also testament to the fact that no explanation of any complex phenomenon can ever be done on neutral territory; each such explanation is anchored in a particular approach or belief, and seen through the lens of a particular theoretical leaning– and researching language is no exception.

year: 2020-05-20

title: Angitūtanga o ngā tauira Māori:  Supporting Māori students to succeed in psychology

authors: Martin, Dionne

subjects: Psychology

abstract: Many Māori seek out university degrees to make a meaningful impact on the health of their community. Psychology, is one avenue that attracts Māori to do so. Psychology training has often failed to meet the needs of Māori students, often creating barriers to Māori student success. This thesis will explore barriers and support mechanisms that Māori students experience while attending university in pursuit of psychology degrees. This study will focus on experiences had by those enrolled in The School of Psychology at The Univeristy of Waikato, on the Hamilton campus. Informed by kaupapa Māori guidelines and analysed though the use of pūrākau this thesis highlights some key experiences shared by Māori psychology students. Three key experiences were identified. First, the prominence of Western culture in The School of psychology and the impact that has on Māori sense of belonging and whanaungatanga. Second, support system realities for Māori, identifying key university supports systems and realities associated with ones home environment. Third, the transitional journey to becoming a psychologist and what impact that has on the university journey. With this in mind, some recommendations are made to support Māori student success in psychology. These recommendations advocate for the provision of a more bicultural learning experience, creation of a culturally affirming environment, recruitment and retention of culturally capable staff, appropriate resourcing, funding and training for support services, better support for Māori realities and pathway navigation support.

text: Angitūtanga o ngā tauira Māori:  Supporting Māori students to succeed in psychology Many Māori seek out university degrees to make a meaningful impact on the health of their community. Psychology, is one avenue that attracts Māori to do so. Psychology training has often failed to meet the needs of Māori students, often creating barriers to Māori student success. This thesis will explore barriers and support mechanisms that Māori students experience while attending university in pursuit of psychology degrees. This study will focus on experiences had by those enrolled in The School of Psychology at The Univeristy of Waikato, on the Hamilton campus. Informed by kaupapa Māori guidelines and analysed though the use of pūrākau this thesis highlights some key experiences shared by Māori psychology students. Three key experiences were identified. First, the prominence of Western culture in The School of psychology and the impact that has on Māori sense of belonging and whanaungatanga. Second, support system realities for Māori, identifying key university supports systems and realities associated with ones home environment. Third, the transitional journey to becoming a psychologist and what impact that has on the university journey. With this in mind, some recommendations are made to support Māori student success in psychology. These recommendations advocate for the provision of a more bicultural learning experience, creation of a culturally affirming environment, recruitment and retention of culturally capable staff, appropriate resourcing, funding and training for support services, better support for Māori realities and pathway navigation support.

year: 2025