Journalists reveal Māori—indigenous Taiwanese connections
Whakaata Māori journalists Michael Cugley and Whatitiri Te Wake travelled to Taiwan to explore its indigenous communities and draw parallels with Māori. They discovered that the connections between the two peoples go far beyond geographic distance, tied together by shared values of cultural preservation and self-determination. The pair were supported to travel to Taiwan through a Foundation Media Travel Grant
Whatitiri Te Wake meeting Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te
Like Māori, Taiwan’s indigenous people are organised into tribal groups—16 in total, each with its own language, many of which are endangered. These languages, like te reo Māori, carry the wisdom and history of their ancestors, offering a vital link to the past that continues to shape their identity today.
Eighty-seven-year-old ‘Mumu’ Akawyan Pakawyan has dedicated her life to preserving the language of her tribe, the Puyuma, in south-east Taiwan.
Teaching since childhood, Akawyan Pakawyan believes that cultural survival starts with the youth. “If children can follow their elders, our culture, music, and dance will continue,” she says.
Her efforts reflect a broader movement in Taiwan’s indigenous communities to combat cultural erosion, striving to pass down traditions and languages that are quickly disappearing.
Similarly, Cudjuy Patjidres, a tattoo artist from southern Taiwan’s Taitung, has focused his career on revitalising traditional tattooing styles and symbols.
Drawing on Polynesian and Māori knowledge, he notes the growing importance of reconnecting with family history: “In the past decade, there’s been a significant shift, especially for tribal families. Reconnecting to their roots has become vital for them.”
Patjidres’ work also highlights the broader resurgence of indigenous arts and crafts as essential expressions of cultural sovereignty, a way to honour their ancestors while resisting external pressures to assimilate.
These efforts are part of a wider renaissance of indigenous culture across Taiwan, but the road to true cultural revival is challenging.
Whakaata Māori journalist Michael Cugley (left); Akawyan Pakawyan; Taiwanese indigenous language expert (right)
Taiwan’s indigenous communities have long faced marginalisation from both the colonial history of the island and the ongoing pressures from the Chinese government.
However, many are fiercely committed to maintaining their cultural identity and asserting their right to self-determination.
This struggle for tino rangatiratanga, or sovereignty, mirrors the experiences of Māori and other indigenous peoples worldwide, who seek to define their future on their own terms.
While these efforts are often isolated, the goal is clear: Taiwan’s indigenous people seek to ensure their cultural survival and political autonomy, not just in opposition to external forces but as an expression of their rightful place in the world.
As tensions continue to simmer between Taiwan and China, the indigenous peoples of Taiwan remain steadfast, using their cultural heritage as both a source of resilience and a form of resistance.
This movement also underscores the growing global solidarity among indigenous communities, from the Pacific Islands to the Americas and beyond.
The struggles of indigenous people in Taiwan and Aotearoa are interconnected by shared histories of colonialism and displacement, but they are also united by a vision of thriving cultures, languages, and self-governance.
Together, they continue to challenge the structures of power that seek to erase their identities, while nurturing the future generations that will carry these legacies forward.
Here is a full list of the stories Whakaata Maori produced:
First wahine Māori trade commissioner in Taiwan reflects on four years in the role
Ngā Mauri Taniwha ki Uta makes an impact at Taiwan folklore festival
Toitū Te Māori shown as link to Taiwan indigenous people’s similar struggles
Indigenous Taiwanese fighting for the return of their land - and to be heard
Indigenous Taiwanese MP Chen Ying committed to serving her communities, encourages other women
Puyuma language stalwart scared language may die if people don’t learn
The Foundation's Media Programme helps New Zealand journalists cover stories that shed light on Asia and on New Zealand’s ties to the region.
Our Media Travel Grants provide New Zealand journalists with funding to travel independently to Asia to research and prepare stories – to help demystify Asia for New Zealand audiences.
