Noho Tahi | Peaceful Co-Existence

Lilly Kelleher (she/her; Te Ātiawa) 

Noho Tahi, the inaugural project for the new Dan and Una Chan & Laywood and Joyce Chan Residency at Wai-te-ata Press, invited contributors to think on the concept of “peaceful co-existence” between Tangata Tiriti nō Haina (people of Te Tiriti o Waitangi from China) and Tangata Whenua, as well as Hainamanatanga, Chinese ways of being in Aotearoa. Published by 5Ever Books and edited by Etienne Wain, Jess Ye, Ballerina Chong and Lincoln Dam, the publication is a collection of stories presented in various mediums, including interviews, written reflections, poems, photographs, and illustrations that reflect the theme of “Noho Tahi”, and the legacy of the New Zealand Chinese Growers Journal (1949-1972). 

Inspired by the Growers Journal, Noho Tahi introduces the concept of the publication as a garden, with the contributors as gardeners; planting new seeds for peaceful relations in future, as well as “composting” anachronous colonial ideals. The publication is separated into eight themed sections; Herenga, Reo, Kai, Marama, Reanga, Tuakiri, Haerenga, and Manaaki, displayed alongside original prints of the Chinese Heritage Types collection 

formerly used in the Grower’s Journal. The concept of co-existence is reflected in every aspect of Cal Ma, Jack Young, Juhyeon and Ya-Wen Ho’s brilliant design; from the stunning cover with O-Yoon inspired art by Juhyeon, to the unified formatting of the Te Reo Māori and Chinese text and heritage character types in the glossary, headings, and within the pieces themselves. 

At a time of heightened political hostility about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Noho Tahi provides urgent perspective on what it means to be Tangata Tiriti nō Haina, and further outside of the publication, what peaceful co-existence could look like for all Tangata Tiriti, regardless of ethnicity, culture, and creed. Noho Tahi proposes that, by examining traditional values and history, pathways towards peaceful co-existence emerge, inclusive of both Tangata Tiriti and Tangata Whenua. The publication highlights the shared similarities between our cultures as opposed to what separates us; both Chinese and Māori cultural values prioritise community;

caring for those we love and those we are responsible for. By relating to one another, we can forge a pathway to come together not only under Te Tiriti o Waitangi as Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti, but as a unified people who truly love, respect and care for one another and the whenua we live on and love, together. With a government very much focused on a monocultural idea of the “New Zealander”, Noho Tahi recognises that by treasuring our cultural differences and reflecting on occasions throughout our history where the Chinese and Māori peoples have aided and protected one another, we can continue to do so in our current-day fight for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Tino Rangatiratanga. The publication urges us to realise that the colonially realised benefits many Tangata Tiriti take for granted are not a given, and can shift and dissolve in this tumultuous political landscape, evidenced by what is happening globally. What we do have the power to reinforce as Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti are our relationships with one another. What we can take from history, is that in the face of colonial devastation, Tangata Whenua have persevered and triumphed, as have past generations of Tangata Tiriti nō Haina in the face of racism, discrimination and erasure. Our collective ability to endure and uplift one another can be channelled into our intercultural relationships; we will not only simply co-exist, but aid one another using our ancestral knowledge and cultural values. 

Ultimately, Noho Tahi proposes not just a peaceful co-existence, but a fruitful, reciprocal relationship; founded upon mutual respect, understanding, and the sharing of traditions and culture, the nurturing of which will ultimately build a better and stronger bond that will withstand any political or social interference in the future. The ties that bind us are stronger than those who seek to break them; “together we shall face / the changing seasons.” (Growers’, 34).