Te Tiriti in Conversation: A Qualitative Approach to Biculturalism and Multiculturalism in Aotearoa

Aotearoa is a unique context with complex relationships between many cultural groups. As a result, there are various perspectives on whether society in Aotearoa should adopt biculturalism or multiculturalism to ensure cultural cohesion. This thesis examines the perspectives of two minority groups on this issue by discussing these two cultural approaches with indigenous Māori and migrant groups. Focus groups were held with ten Māori and twelve migrant participants. Participants were asked questions about what biculturalism and multiculturalism mean, how these systems operate in participants lives, and how Aotearoa should develop in regard to these systems. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and pool responses, with five themes identified: biculturalism, multiculturalism, generational changes, sustainability, and identity. Using these themes to help unpack how participants navigate life in Aotearoa, I conclude by discussing whether Aotearoa should be formally identifying as bicultural or multicultural, what a “New Zealand” national identity is to minority citizens, and how immigration policy could be shaped to better fit the ideals of our indigenous and “newest” New Zealanders.