The Treaty & Me 2025: Unsettled Bliss – It’s OK to be Uncomfortable
In the first of four dates in the Treaty & Me series for 2025, Dr Elizabeth Cook explores the notion of Unsettled Bliss, and why it’s OK to be uncomfortable.
“We perform our banal everyday activities of whiteness as normal and natural, so normal, that they are considered the universal, common sense, rational way to be for EVERYBODY!”
In this talk, based on her book, ‘Unsettled Bliss: Whiteness in Aotearoa,’ Dr Elizabeth Cook explores how (often unconscious) racism operates in our everyday actions within whānau, workplaces, institutions and organisations. She speaks to the 1835 Declaration of Independence onwards, addressing white settler occupation to the present day, its impact on indigenous land and the people of this place, ngā iwi Māori, and the continuing consequences.
“The aim is to be woke, not asleep or dead,” says Dr Cook. “Knowledge is liberation, along with action to change the cruelties.”
If you are interested in deepening your understanding of social issues, wealth disparity, and political structures, this talk is for you.
Dr Elizabeth Ann Cook is a writer, thinker, and social critic with a passion for challenging complacency. A sixth-generation non-Māori with English, Irish Catholic, and Welsh ancestry, she was born and grew up in Whangārei before settling mostly in Ōtautahi.
Her diverse career includes the release of four albums of original music; performing live as a singer, songwriter and actor; and teaching Te Reo Māori and drama. In 2021, she completed a PhD in Sociology, subsequently extending her lifelong engagement with critical thinking into non-fiction writing, releasing ‘Unsettled Bliss’ in 2025. Her work examines how everyday behaviours reinforce harmful social and economic systems, and she is particularly interested in deconstructing language, power, and privilege.
An avid student of Aotearoa’s history, Cook has been influenced by scholars such as Moana Jackson, Ani Mikaere, Vincent O’Malley, Ranginui Walker, and Alan Ward, as well as international thinkers including Achille Mbembe, Frantz Fanon, Cedric Robinson, and Judith Shklar.
The Treaty & Me series is hosted by Network Waitangi Whangārei. Over four Wednesdays from 23 July until 13 August, respected Pākehā and community voices will speak about the Treaty / Te Tiriti from their own experience and research.
There are 2 sessions on each date – 12-2pm and 7-9pm – all at 116 Bank St, Whangārei. Doors open 30 minutes before session start times – Free coffee, tea, soup & snacks will be served.
The talks are for everyone, but particularly those keen to explore how Te Tiriti is key to New Zealand’s harmonious future.
Speakers will be followed by a facilitated Q&A session, so please bring your curiosity, openness and questions.
All talks are FREE – Koha appreciated (bring cash on the day).