At the Confluence of Poetry and Politics: Comparing the Lives and Works of Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Hone Tuwhare

Abstract

In this essay, I examine the similarities and differences between Australia’s and Aotearoa/New Zealand’s colonial history and the indigenous activism that emerged in the form of poetic prose. I focus on the life and work of two prominent indigenous writers: Australian Aborigine poet Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Māori poet Hone Tuwhare, both of whom used poetry as a powerful tool of protest. I also consider the heavy critique they received, not only from the white literary establishment, but also from their respective indigenous communities. Using these examples, I show how the overlapping of indigenous activism and poetry was significant in advancing awareness of the plight of Aboriginals and Māori during a period of political awakening.