In this episode of Weaving Our Worlds, Melanie sits down with historians Angela Wanhalla and Erica Newman to delve into the untold stories behind the recent dual publications, Te Hau Kāinga: The Māori Home Front During the Second World War and Raupanga, a companion volume in te reo Māori. Together, these books explore the experience of Māori on the…

In this episode, the tables are turned. Thanks to Bryan Bruce Investigates for initiating and sharing this podcast episode where he interviews Melanie Nelson, the host of the Weaving our Worlds podcast and the Coherent podcast. In this episode of Head to Head, Bryan Bruce interviews Melanie Nelson, a writer, researcher, translator and consultant sp…

In this episode, the tables are turned. Thanks to Bryan Bruce Investigates for initiating and sharing this podcast episode where he interviews Melanie Nelson, the host of the Coherent podcast and the Weaving our Worlds podcast. In this episode of Head to Head, Bryan Bruce interviews Melanie Nelson, a writer, researcher, translator and consultant sp…

This is the debut episode of my new podcast, Coherent. Listeners of Weaving our Worlds might find it of interest. It's available on most podcast platforms. On the Coherent podcast Melanie Nelson hosts in-depth interviews unpacking the political issues shaping Aotearoa New Zealand today. Join us as we explore the sweeping reforms transforming our so…

The proposed Regulatory Standards Bill may seem like dry policy, but its implications could reshape how New Zealand governs itself. In this episode of Coherent, Jonathan Boston, ONZM, Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, unpacks the sweeping impact this legislation could have on government servic…

In this compelling episode, Melanie Nelson interviews Jane Kelsey, a leading critic of New Zealand's neoliberal reforms and an expert in global economic governance. They explore the far-reaching implications of the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill—a piece of legislation that threatens to reshape New Zealand’s democratic processes, environmental p…

Resources You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.By Melanie Nelson

In this thought-provoking episode, Sarah Hopkinson, a māmā, curriculum designer, urban farmer, and storyteller, joins Melanie to unravel the intricate threads of identity, ancestry, and the environment. Sarah delves into what it means to be Pākehā in Aotearoa, reflecting on collective accountability, the deep-rooted values shaping our land, and the…

In this insightful episode, Melanie Nelson sits down with Jen Margaret, a dedicated advocate and educator for te Tiriti o Waitangi. Jen has spent over 30 years championing the importance of te Tiriti and the responsibilities it entails for Pākehā and Tauiwi in Aotearoa. Jen shares her personal journey into this work, starting with her first encount…

Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod joins Melanie to talk about the upcoming celebration of te reo Māori - the first national Māori language festival, Toitū te Reo. He shares about the inspiration and focus of the festival, its welcoming nature to all, and what it will look and feel like. We discuss some of the speakers and topics which will be included. We a…

Beth Tupara-Katene joins Melanie to share the findings of research project Tangaroa Ararau. The project has focused on how to put Tangaroa and Hinemoana (the ocean) at the centre of marine governance, with decisions led collectively by local communities. We include Māori perspectives on governance and relating to the ocean, across the spectrum of k…

Dr Jessica Hutchings talks about Māori and indigenous food sovereignty, and her practice of this in her own life, through growing food, research and sharing knowledge. She articulates her views on GMOs and the risks that genetic engineering pose to indigenous peoples and their sovereignty. Also, Jessica shares about the difficulties of ensuring Māo…

Alex Barnes talks about the complexities and benefits co-governance education in Aotearoa through application of te Tiriti o Waitangi, the subject of his recently completed PhD. We also discuss some of our experiences over decades of walking between te ao Māori and te ao Pākehā, and why we perceive them as different worlds. Plus we delve into how w…

Hona Black talks about Māori wit and humour and his efforts to help revitalise that particular aspect of te reo. He shares his experience growing up in a Māori speaking household and kura kaupapa, and the challenges of life in a society where the English language and Western cultural norms dominate. Plus, he explores Māori attitudes to sexuality an…

Dame Anne Salmond talks about her experience of walking between worlds over the past 50 years, witnessing racism and injustice, and working to grow understanding. She shares her views on any moves by the government to review the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi. She explains that it is the Māori text which was signed and must be adhered to, and h…

Whirimako Black speaks openly about memories of her early life in Te Urewera and Kawerau and how that has shaped her life and career. She shares her love of mōteatea, her reo and culture, and desire to share that with people. This deep and personal conversation traverses her whānau influences and inspirations, cultural disconnection and reconnectio…