Personal - Family

The nuclear family is a modern invention, adapted to meet the need of industrial capitalism for highly mobile family units. The extended family, based on a knowledge of genealogy and kinship ties, is the true foundation of human society.

I pay respects to my Hungarian ancestors. I pay respects to the river Tisza, which has watered them, sustained them, fed them and quenched their thirsts for a thousand years. I give remembrance to my Tata, to my nagymama, to all my aunties, uncles and cousins.

I pay respects to my South African ancestors, a mixed breed of Khoi, Malay, Dutch, German and English. I pay respects to the great mountain at the southern tip of Africa. I greet my wide and varied family, scattered to all parts of the world.

Love and respect to my parents, Peter Tanczos and Joan Tanczos (nee Raubenheimer). To my brother Peter and his wife Anna, love and respect.

To my beloved, Sharney Kiekie Murphy, Ngati Manawa and Ngati Ruapani, undying love and devotion to you.

To my daughter Te Pirimaia o Rongomau Ngahuia Selassie Tanczos, tena koe - it is you.

Fatherhood

It took the birth of my daughter, at the age of 37, to turn me from a boy into a man.