By Peter Meihana. Published by Bridget Williams Books, 2023. (NZD 18) Reviewed by Jordan Riddell

Peter Meihana’s Privilege in Perpetuity explores the power imbalance between Māori and Pākehā and dismantles the historic misconception of “Māori privilege”. Meihana argues that the current perception of Māori privilege is deeply linked to its roots in the emergence of humanitarianism and colonisation during the 18th and 19th centuries, resulting in a paradox where Māori were only privileged because it was politically convenient. He suggests that “Pākehā privilege” would be a more accurate term than “Māori privilege”.

This book is an interesting, refreshing and thought-provoking read. Meihana’s turn of phrase is elegant and coherent, although he doesn’t shy away from sociological and political jargon (it definitely expanded my vocabulary). But this can be expected from a PhD thesis in book form.

I come from both Māori and Pākehā families, so Meihana’s heavily-researched perspectives on privilege in Aotearoa was especially stimulating for me. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in examining the true meaning and significance of privilege and gaining a wider understanding of the social and political relationships between Māori and Pākehā.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 282 June 2023: 27