User:Paul James1/sandbox

Lachlan Holt - Kaupapa Kid

Lachie Holt (Kaupapa Kid) holding a tewhatewha

Lachlan James Holt, commonly known as the Kaupapa Kid is a teacher, activist, social worker and content creator from Aotearoa (New Zealand), widely recognized for his role in promoting New Zealand history through social media. Holt, a descendant of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga, uses his online presence, particularly through the Instagram handle @kaupapakid, to share a balanced view of New Zealand's history, highlighting both Māori and Pākehā (European) perspectives.

Early Life and Education

Lachie Holt's interest in history began during his schooling years, particularly in Year 8, when he recognized gaps in the traditional curriculum regarding the history of Aotearoa. This inspired him to seek out and provide a more inclusive understanding of New Zealand's past. Growing up, Holt also experienced environments where being Māori was discouraged, which shaped his commitment to fostering pride in Māori identity.

Teaching Career

Holt worked as a kaiako (teacher) at Hamilton West Primary School. In his teaching, he focuses on empowering youth, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging deeper engagement with the stories and historical events that define Aotearoa's cultural identity. He believes that history is not just a subject, but a tool for shaping national identity and creating dialogue.

His teaching approach extends beyond the classroom, utilizing social media to engage a wider audience. Through his Instagram page @kaupapakid, Holt presents historical content in accessible formats, making it engaging for younger audiences who may find traditional, long-form documentaries less appealing.

During his time teaching Holt frequently engaged his students in class projects featuring prominent New Zealand musicians, such as Jason Kerrison and Liam Finn. These projects aimed to enhance students' understanding of music and its cultural significance in New Zealand, providing them with unique opportunities to connect with influential artists in the industry. Holt's approach emphasized experiential learning, encouraging students to explore the creative processes of these musicians and their contributions to New Zealand's musical landscape.

Online Presence and Content Creation

Lachie Holt's Instagram content covers significant moments in New Zealand's history, discussing both cultural and historical identity. His aim is to educate his followers, particularly youth, on underrepresented Māori perspectives, while fostering a deeper understanding of Aotearoa's complex history. His content also delves into contemporary social issues, drawing connections between the past and the present.

Addressing Tall Poppy Syndrome

Holt openly discusses Tall Poppy Syndrome, a cultural phenomenon in New Zealand that discourages individuals from standing out or achieving notable success. As an educator and public figure, he has experienced this firsthand, particularly through his visible presence online. Despite these challenges, Holt advocates for support systems to help individuals, especially youth, navigate the pressures of public scrutiny, which has been amplified by social media.

Holt is an advocate for mental health, especially in relation to rangatahi (youth). He encourages open conversations about mental wellness, emphasizing the importance of understanding how cultural narratives and social pressures impact mental health. Holt supports creating safe and supportive environments for young people, where they can engage with these issues in meaningful ways.

Media Appearances

Lachie Holt has appeared on various podcasts, including the AltbaysPodcast and Tall Poppy Talk, where he discusses his passion for Aotearoa's history, his teaching journey, and the role of social media in content creation. In these interviews, he highlights the importance of connecting with local experts to provide a more comprehensive view of New Zealand's historical and cultural identity.

Through his work as a teacher and social media influencer, Holt is reshaping how New Zealanders, particularly youth, engage with their country's history. His emphasis on inclusivity, critical engagement, and cultural pride has made him a prominent figure in the education and activism space in Aotearoa.

For more information, you can explore his insights on platforms like the Altbays Podcast or Tall Poppy Talkwhere he discusses history, mental health, and social dynamics in greater detail.