Kaumātua, kaitiaki, and intergenerational values across Māori and Southeast Asian Cultures

From the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s 2018 Perspectives of Asia and Asian Peoples from a Te Ao Māori Perspective report I also found other themes where similarities existed across Asian and Māori cultures.  In this article, I explore the concepts of kaumātua (elder), kaitiaki (guardian), and intergenerational values within the context of Māori and Southeast Asian cultures. While acknowledging the vast diversity within both regions, I seek to identify commonalities and divergences in these fundamental cultural constructs to showcase our connectedness.  

Kaumātua: The Role of Elders 

I explored the concept of kaumatua with Dr Dione Payne in Season 1 of Our Connectedness. She explained to me that the figure of the kaumātua, a respected elder in Māori society, holds a position of immense significance. As the custodians of knowledge, tradition, and spiritual wisdom, kaumātua is pivotal in guiding the community. Their authority is derived from a combination of age, experience, and genealogy. Hence, kaumātua are the revered elders of Māori society as they have deep understanding of Māori culture, traditions, history, and values. Their role is pivotal in guiding and nurturing younger generations.  

Southeast Asian cultures also accord significant respect to elders. While there may be no direct equivalent to the concept of deep understanding of Māori culture, traditions, history, and values. Their role is pivotal in guiding and nurturing younger generations, in some Confucian-influenced societies like Vietnam and Korea, filial piety is a cornerstone value, emphasizing reverence for elders.  

The concept of lolo and lola (grandparents) in the Philippines and tokong in Indonesia similarly denotes respected elders.  

However, elders' specific roles and authority can vary across these cultures. For instance, while some societies may grant elders formal leadership positions, others may view their role primarily as advisors.  

From a faith perspectives, the respect and reverence for elder is significant in Hindu and Muslim faiths. In my conversation with Anjum Rehman for Season 1 of Our Connectedness, she referred to a specific verse about the responsibilities of children towards their parents from the religious text of Muslims, the Qu’ran, which translates as “And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: "My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood." 

I realised that the concept of kaumātua connects back to the concepts of whakapapa and manaakitanga, which reminded me that I am not an individual but a being who is connected to those who have gone before me. It also links into the concept of kaitiaki.  

From whakapapa to kaitiakitanga 

Kaitiakitanga, the Māori concept of guardianship, encompasses a profound sense of responsibility for the environment, people, and cultural heritage. Kaitiaki are entrusted with the care and protection of these taonga (treasures).   

In my interview with Dr. Dione Payne for Season 1 of Our Connectedness, she explained that kaitiakitanga is an intergenerational approach to decision-making. It's about considering the impact of our actions on seven generations in the future and making choices that will benefit not only ourselves but also the land, the water, and all living creatures. 

As Dr Dione Payne mentioned “we do not separate ourselves from everything around us as we see a genealogical connection to every living thing as part of our (Maori) worldview.”  

This acknowledgment forms part of whakapapa as well as karakia; Dr. Payne adds, “It deepens that connection and reminds us of where we are, who we are, what our living thing is to us and then why we always have to be mindful and protective of those things.” 

This deep connection to the environment through whakapapa gives rise to the concept of kaitiakitanga, a guardianship ethos that emphasizes the responsibility to care for and protect the natural world. Kaitiakitanga is not simply about conservation; it's about honouring the ancestral ties that bind humans to the land and ensuring its well-being for future generations. 

Southeast Asian cultures also exhibit strong principles of stewardship and environmental care. The concept of bumitama in Balinese culture, which translates to "humanity-land-god," reflects a holistic view of the world where humans are interconnected with nature and the divine. The Buddhist concept of ahimsa (non-violence) extends to environmental ethics, emphasizing harmony with nature. 

However, the specific practices and institutions related to guardianship vary across cultures. While Māori kaitiakitanga often involves customary land management practices, Southeast Asian approaches may include religious rituals, communal agreements, or state-led conservation efforts. 

Bridging the Past and Future 

Intergenerational relationships are central to both Māori and Southeast Asian societies.  

The transmission of knowledge, values, and cultural heritage from elders to younger generations is a core function of these societies. As I noted, the Māori concept of whakapapa (genealogy) provides a framework for understanding one's place in the world and one's connection to ancestors.  

Dr Dione Payne mentioned  about how she focuses on intergenerational decisions “As part of whakapapa when I'm thinking of my parents, my grandparents, my great grandparents and all the way back and if I'm thinking for me future, then I'm thinking about my kids, my grandkids, to come my great grandkids to come… what do we do now to protect the few resources we have access to?... not just physical resources, but cultural practices too.” 

This emphasis on lineage fosters a strong sense of intergenerational responsibility. Southeast Asian cultures also value ancestral connections.  

The Chinese concept of filial piety and the Vietnamese practice of ancestor worship exemplify this reverence for the past. However, the balance between honouring traditions and adapting to modern challenges differs across cultures. While some Southeast Asian societies may prioritize the preservation of traditional family structures, others may be more open to changing family dynamics. 

The concepts of kaumātua, kaitiaki, and intergenerational values are fundamental to both Māori and Southeast Asian cultures. While the specific expressions of these concepts vary widely, they emphasize respect, responsibility, and connection to the past. 

By comparing these cultural frameworks, I hope we can better appreciate the universal human values underpinning these concepts. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the unique historical, social, and ecological contexts that shape the specific manifestations of these values in different societies. 

-Asia Media Centre

*Banner image: Mitai Maori Village c/o Tourism NZ