Tauranga is set to spark with an engaging evening on October 29, featuring a thought-provoking discussion titled “How 4000 Years of Media Led to Donald Trump”.

The event, a mere week before the US Presidential election, will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise and aims to raise funds for the Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment.

The lively conversation will feature speakers Buddy Mikaere, a prominent Māori historian, and Bryan Winters, a community advocate and volunteer.

Clay tablets to iPads

The speakers, both active members of the club, will delve into the evolution of media from oral traditions to modern digital platforms, examining its disruptive nature in New Zealand.

“Unpacking the long journey of media disruption into an evening gives the audience a high-level view of unknown, and indeed unwanted outcomes from clay tablets to iPads,” said Winters.

“When Europeans reached Aotearoa, media was part of Western culture, and showered upon Māori without concern.”

By the time the duo gets to Trump, it’s obvious the audience is in for more. “As instant global information sped up, media has become more divisive and less trustworthy in today’s world.”

The discussion will explore the implications of media’s evolution, addressing whether similar trends could emerge in New Zealand. The speakers will challenge the audience to consider: Can lessons from the past help us navigate the future?

Mikaere’s surprise findings on Māori rapid adaptation to media is set to be fascinating, especially given that Cook didn’t arrive with an acculturation team.

Topics will include the impact of newspapers, magazines, radio, television, the internet, and social media on political narratives and public perception. The event will also touch on themes of populism, media strategy, and the intersection of celebrity culture and politics.

The lingering question

Amid media chaos however, bright spots appear, some still lingering. But the big question might be whether New Zealand, a cultural follower of America, is infected by the political drama in the world’s greatest superpower.

Bryan, named Bay of Plenty Volunteer of the Year in 2024, is an internationally published author and TEDx speaker, with a focus on community development and youth mentoring.

Buddy, a former director of the Waitangi Tribunal, has dedicated his career to advocating for Māori perspectives, contributing extensively to the understanding of Māori history and culture through his writing and community engagement.

The event promises to be both enlightening and entertaining, with proceeds going toward the RYPEN weekend long camp for Year 11-12 students, designed at developing young people’s potential through a mixture of lecture style sessions and adventure-based learning.

“How 4000 Years of Media Led to Trump” is 7pm-9pm, October 29, Wesley Methodist Church. Tickets available for a $20 donation at: events.humanitix.com/4000years