ABSTRACT
The historical pattern of cultural superiority and subordination established between the European migrants and the indigenous peoples of New Zealand has set the pattern for subsequent relationships with new migrants. Some attempts have been made to rectify this pattern by introducing the philosophies and practices of multiculturalism and biculturalism. However, such policies largely have not been successful. These policies have ignored the importance of the need to address the relationship between the dominant Pakeha (people of European origin) and the indigenous population because the aspirations of the indigenous people are subsumed within the majority culture’s designs for the future of New Zealand. Unless this relationship can be changed, the dominant-subordinate pattern of intercultural relationships will remain.
