The Convert
6.2
In the early years of British colonization, New Zealand was a land of vast, untamed beauty, and its indigenous Maori people, with their rich culture and traditions, had long lived in harmony with the land. As the British settlers began to establish themselves, they sought to bring with them not only their colonial ambitions but also their Christian faith. Among these settlers was Munro, a soldier who had turned his back on the military to become a lay preacher, eager to spread the Christian gospel to the newly arrived settlers. However, what he did not anticipate was a profound spiritual and personal transformation that would turn his life—and mission—upside down.
Munro’s journey to New Zealand was driven by a sense of duty and religious calling. With the first British colonists arriving, the demand for spiritual guidance grew, and Munro, equipped with a soldier’s discipline and a preacher’s fervor, saw it as his mission to bring the teachings of Christianity to the new community. At first, Munro was determined to follow the path laid out for him by his faith and by the British authorities. He was set to help the settlers and convert the native Maori people to Christianity, as many missionaries before him had done.
However, Munro’s arrival in New Zealand would not follow the course he expected. He encountered Maianui, a powerful Maori chief whose influence over his people was undeniable. Maianui, a deeply spiritual leader, was no stranger to the impact of foreign influence on his land. Despite the efforts of the British colonizers to assert their authority and convert the Maori to Christianity, Maianui was not easily swayed. Rather than dismiss Munro as just another colonial missionary, Maianui saw an opportunity to transform the soldier-turned-preacher into something far more significant for his people.
The chief’s charisma and wisdom soon began to challenge Munro's rigid religious convictions. Maianui invited Munro to engage deeply with Maori culture, their spiritual beliefs, and their connection to the land. As Munro spent more time with the chief and his people, he was struck by the richness and depth of the Maori worldview, which stood in stark contrast to the British Christian teachings he had brought with him. The chief’s spiritual insight and his emphasis on the importance of the land and community left an indelible mark on Munro’s heart and mind.
Over time, Munro’s mission transformed. Rather than focusing solely on spreading the Christian faith among the Maori, he began to adopt a more inclusive perspective. He came to see the strength of Maori spirituality and began to appreciate the profound ways in which it intertwined with their way of life. In many ways, Munro became a bridge between two worlds: the British colonial settlers and the Maori people, both of whom were grappling with the upheaval of colonialism but in very different ways.
Munro’s journey reflects the larger tensions and complexities of the colonial encounter. His story is not one of blind faith or unyielding missionary zeal, but rather one of transformation and understanding. Through Maianui’s influence, Munro found a new purpose—one that was not dictated by the colonial agenda, but one that embraced the depth and beauty of the indigenous culture he had initially sought to change. His story is a testament to the power of cross-cultural exchange and the capacity for personal growth, even in the midst of colonization.
Ultimately, Munro’s conversion under Maianui’s guidance underscores a profound shift in perspective, showing how individuals can be reshaped by the very cultures they set out to transform.
Director: Gene Keelan, Lee Tamahori
Cast: Aidee Walker, Andrew G Hill, Antonio Te Maioha, Ariki Salvation-Turner, Dean O'Gorman, Duane Evans Jr., Edmund Eramiha, George Tughushi, Guy Pearce, Hinetu Dell, Jack Barry, Jacqueline McKenzie
