Pakekha

Pakekha ( Maori Pākehā ) - New Zealand residents of European descent (or with a predominance of European genes). The origin of the word “Pakekha" is unknown, but in the Maori language it was originally used as an insult and, according to one version, comes from the name of the humanoid evil sea spirits pākehakeha or pakepakehā ^[1] .

Currently, the word, although the older generation still perceives it negatively, is increasingly acquiring a neutral hue, is often used in newspapers and magazines.

According to the national composition of the “pack,” they are mainly descendants of the British , to a lesser extent - the Irish , Dutch , Scandinavians , Germans , Yugoslavs , etc.

Opinions regarding this term differ among New Zealanders of European descent. Some reject it, considering it offensive ^[2] or object to being called in a language other than their own ^[2] .

In 2013, in a study of attitudes and values ​​in New Zealand conducted by Auckland University, there was no evidence that the word is widely known as derogatory ^[3] . However, only 12% of New Zealanders of European descent preferred to be identified by this term, while the rest preferred the words “New Zealander” ( New Zealander , 53%), “New Zealander of European descent” ( New Zealand European , 25%) or “kiwi” ( Kiwi , 17%) ^{[4] [5]} .