Wellington historian to take New Zealand race relations to America

Wellington historian Giselle Byrnes is the recipient of the 2006 Fulbright-Visiting Lecturer Award to teach at Georgetown University, Washington DC.

Dr Byrnes, a Senior Lecturer in the School of History, Philosophy and Political Science at Victoria University, specialises in New Zealand race relations, the Treaty of Waitangi and comparative colonial and indigenous histories.

Giselle's courses at the Center for Australian and New Zealand Studies at Georgetown will examine the history of Maori and Pakeha interaction in New Zealand in the nineteenth century, with particular reference to race. This history will be compared with the efforts of the indigenous peoples in North America.

"Until recently, visitors to New Zealand commented on two things - our 'clean, green' status and our apparent stability in race relations," said Dr Byrnes.

"Up until the 1960s, most New Zealanders believed we had 'ideal race relations'.

"This harmony has since been exposed as a myth. It has been challenged by Maori protests, land occupations and extensive media coverage of Maori grievances.

"My interest is in why this has happened and why many Pakeha New Zealanders are anxious about revisiting our shared colonial history.

"To answer these questions, we need to examine the events of the nineteenth century, which saw the rapid European colonisation and Maori adjustment to a new colonial order."

Dr Byrnes is looking forward to engaging with colleagues and hopes to inspire American students with her passion for New Zealand history.

"I am looking forward to stimulating a genuine interest in our country among American students."
She also hopes to learn more about the relationships between federal government and indigenous peoples, which is part of a longer term project she is working on.

Dr Byrnes begins her term in the United States in August 2006.

The Fulbright Visiting Lecturer in New Zealand Studies Award is for an academic to teach two courses in New Zealand studies at Georgetown University, Washington DC. The deadline for applications is 1 June. For further information visit www.fulbright.org.nz

ENDS