Reset and a rebirth for 2023
the next 12 months when problem-solving? Look beyond deficit for where there is hope and opportunity? Embrace, empower and enable it?
Reimagine a society that is equitable, inclusive and embraces diversity.
A common call by claimants in the Waitangi Tribunal is for true partnership between tangata whenua and the Crown. It demands courage and compassion to counter conditioning and deliver on human rights.
Hard and confronting conversations must continue to be had to rebalance the present, atone for the past, while creating a more harmonious and optimistic future for our mokopuna yet unborn.
While, globally, Wales has a Future Generations Commissioner responsible for considering the longterm effects of public body decisions, Aotearoa has tangata whenua, our kaitiaki. It’s in our cellular DNA.
When Kahurangi or wa¯ hine toa challenge the authorities to protect tu¯ puna ra¯ kau or wa¯ hi tapu, just do it. As the potent rising of our ma¯ reikura (nobly born female) reminding us of our duty to be pono and tika (honest and truthful) is undeniable.
Let’s collectively cherish indigenous values and ma¯ tauranga Ma¯ ori that have an ancient provenance to guide the way. Lore came before law after all. And may more jurisprudence from the bench infuse this worldview.
There is no room for racism, xenophobia, hate speech or transgression of tikanga in our country.
The banning of karakia by an elected public official is a backslide. A racist regression. Thousands of people from all walks of life agree beyond Ma¯ ori and the Race Relations Commissioner.
Replacing Von Tempksy St with an ancestral name of Puutikitiki that respectfully reflects the history of mana whenua in Kirikiriroa is progress.
Cutting ties with the mercenaries of the past is a quantum leap. More changes by those in governance who know their history while respecting the covenant of Te Tiriti o Waitangi must happen.
If you are in any doubt, read the historian evidence funded by ratepayers on how the military settlement of Hamilton was established in the 1860s on the site of Ma¯ ori ka¯ inga, Kirikiriroa. I suspect in time there will be a name change there, too.
Although the darkness this past year has revealed shadows from the protests on the grounds of parliament to heart-breaking survivor evidence witnessed at the State Abuse Inquiry, the dawn shows promise when Koromatua Mayor Paula Southgate partnered with her community and mana whenua to remedy historic wrongs with an eye towards the future.
It also shines light on ideas like the Hello Project reminding everyone to check in on their elderly neighbours.
Being a farmer’s daughter, I smiled hearing someone say, ‘‘it’s the country way’’. Imagine if it was the way of our country?
Which reminds me of a whakataukı¯ (proverb) a wise kaumatua shared that inspires when reflecting on the year ahead.
Ma¯ mua ka kite a muri. Ma¯ muri ka ora a mua. Those who lead give sight to those who follow. Those who follow give life to those who lead.