Kei tua i te awe māpara: Countercolonial Unveiling of Neoliberal Discourses in Aotearoa New Zealand. Issue 1 (May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ritchie, Jenny; Skerrett, Mere; Rau, Cheryl
• Is Part Of: International review of qualitative research. Volume 7:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 129
• Publication Date: 2014-05
• Subjects: early childhood care and education -- Indigenous education -- colonisation -- neoliberalism; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Social justice -- Periodicals; Qualitative research; Social justice; Social sciences -- Research; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 001.42
• DOI: 10.1525/irqr.2014.7.1.111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1940-8447

Abstract

In this paper, we traverse both historical and contemporary discourses pertaining to early childhood care and education in Aotearoa New Zealand, offering a genealogical discursive analysis of assumptions of white superiority. It is proposed that such an analysis delivers a platform from which to launch a project of unmasking the recent and ongoing impact of neoliberal policies in our country. Two key documents are highlighted: the founding document of our nation, Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi, and the New Zealand early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki . These documents are unusual both within our country, and internationally, in that they offer a framework for bi-epistemological approaches to both education and social organisation more widely. Revisiting these documents in the context of uncovering the subtle racism that underpins assumptions of white superiority provides a platform for countercolonial, ethical reenvisioning of our educational becomings.