Tame Iti (Ngai Tuhoe / Waikato / Te Arawa)

Tame Iti is known as many things… Activist, Artist, Terrorist and Cyclist. Literally wearing his heritage on his face, Iti is hard to miss in a crowd despite being just 5'4″ tall.

Most associated with Tūhoe, Tame Iti also has links with the Waikato tribes of Ngāti Wairere and Ngāti Hauā, and with Te Arawa. Told he was born on a train near Rotorua, Iti was raised by his great granduncle and aunt, Hukarere and Te Peku Purewa, whom Iti calls his grandparents, in the custom known as whāngai (adoption within the same family) on a farm near Ruatoki in the Urewera area. The Purewas had also raised his father. He says that at the age of 8 his school headmaster (himself a Māori) forbade pupils to speak Māori at school. On leaving school, he took up an apprenticeship in painting and decorating after completing a year-long Maori Training Scheme at Christchurch Technical Institute in Christchurch.

His 40 year history of controversial and theatrical displays of political expression have included protests against the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa, pitching a tent on parliament grounds and calling it the Maori embassy, shooting a national flag in front of government officials and the curious spate of public meetings where he appeared with a ladder so as to speak eye to eye with officials who were seated on stage.

Tame will discuss the concept of mana and how this empowers all people to transcend concepts of authority. He will also explore the methods employed by Tuhoe where decisions for the Iwi start with the whanau and push their way up. From the raindrop, to the river, to the sea.

We invite you to be part of this memorable public event, hosted by Guyon Espiner, and brought to you by Leadership NZ, AUT and RNZ National.

Modelled on the prestigious BBC Reith Lectures, the Bishop Sir Paul Reeves Memorial Lectures, which began in 2012, commemorate Sir Paul Reeves, an outstanding leader and visionary, and are designed to provide commentary on New Zealand’s progress as a nation. They are a draw card for thinking New Zealanders wanting to engage in shaping a positive future.

*Photo credit: Birgit Krippner

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FAQs

What time does the lecture actually start?

The lecture theatre doors will open at 7pm, the Reeves Lecture will start promptly at 7.30pm

How accessible is the lecture?

Sign Language Interpreters will be translating the entire lecture. The lecture theatre is wheelchair accessible from level 3 doors from the reception area of the Reeves building.

Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Call Leadership NZ on 09 309 3749.

What is the refund policy?

Refunds will not be given. You may pass on your ticket to another guest to attend in your place.

What are my parking options for the event?