What is a New Zealander? What does it mean to be a citizen of or a resident in this country? How do we understand what makes Aotearoa New Zealand complex and unique? And what creates a sense of belonging and identity, both here and in the world? Now’s a critical time to be thinking about these sorts of things. With global pandemics and vaccine mandates, racial violence and growing inequality, easy slogans take the place of reasoning and reasonableness. Empathy is in retreat, and intolerance is on the march. History tells us that this is never a good mix.

In this engaging book, experts direct their sharp analysis at these and other important issues. Written for university students, it will appeal to anyone interested in where we have come from and where we are headed. It’s a book for active participants in Aotearoa New Zealand and in global society. The chapters dig deep and are discursive. As often as possible, cited print texts are reproduced in full, and links to audio and visual material are displayed at key places. Relevant and enriching, Tūrangawaewae will excite students to read widely and dig more deeply intellectually.