{"id":10984,"date":"2021-08-23T13:49:12","date_gmt":"2021-08-23T00:49:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mananews.co.nz\/wp\/?p=10984"},"modified":"2021-08-27T15:51:17","modified_gmt":"2021-08-27T02:51:17","slug":"racism-my-dear-just-pure-racism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/mananews.co.nz\/wp\/?p=10984","title":{"rendered":"“Racism My Dear, Just Pure Racism”"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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 <\/strong>National  Action Plan Against Racism NAPAR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every now and then a  mokopuna or a young student will ask \u201chow come so many M\u0101ori die earlier than others or why do M\u0101ori fill the jails when we are only 17% of the population? Why are so many M\u0101ori adults going back to school? Why was Te Reo M\u0101ori banned in schools for over 6 generations? \u201c <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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He Pou Theatre – we went to watch a play but instead we were confronted with awkward questions about personal experiences with racism. I had an urge to exit the room as fast as possible, but a number of students were present so I couldn’t leave. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The R word is not one I like to raise in general conversations. The R word triggers panic, dismay, discomfort and unbidden memories.  For every \u201cincident\u201d there is a background and a response to “harden up”.  For a long time I just wanted to focus on solving the issue and not mull over the negatives. But I have learnt if you do not expose the inequities, you may come up with an inadequate solution.  Often delays to obvious easy solutions suggested by prominent intelligent and informed M\u0101ori leaders are ignored due to arrogant disregard and bureaucratic entitlement.  So  often my answer is \u201cRacism my dear, just pure Racism\u201d. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I shared an old post on Facebook from the MAI Hikoi in 1998 recently. The Multi lateral Agreement was a big deal- and if enacted It would have meant NZ would have surrendered some of its sovereign powers in the interests of big business.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a random message from my nephew, the mokopuna of Saana Murray, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKia ora Auntie, I remember the MAI hikoi well Auntie.  I was arrested on the Harbour Bridge for protecting our Aunty Mereraina Uruamo. 13 years old I was at the time. We were in our vehicle crossing over the Harbour Bridge, Auckland. All of a sudden there was hundreds of policemen standing in a line on the bridge.  Then boom we were attacked. Not just my Aunty we were all attacked like we were nothing. The Mongrel police was ripping our Auntie out of her driver\u2019s seat with her seat belt still on. We were at the back yelling at the police YOU ARE HURTING OUR AUNTIE. Police yelled back shut your fn mouth and next moment we started trying to stop the police because they were hurting our auntie viciously – it\u2018s hard to explain,  still hurts today when I think about it. Then I was pulled out of our vehicle and thrown to the ground and put into a paddy wagon with adult strangers. I was totally confused. I was saying to myself why are we getting attacked like this. Rapine (Dad) found me before I went inside. He said to me I\u2019m sorry son, Kia kaha I\u2019m coming to get you my boy. My father yelled and screamed to policemen these are only kids you are arresting, they are innocent. The Police didn’t care and then I was taken away to Auckland Central precinct, I remember being stripped to my underwear and then I was put in a cell. I had no idea what was going on, all I could hear inside was screaming and crying from other cells. It was the first time in my life I realised at a young age I\u2019m a prisoner in our own lands. I\u2019m still traumatised today because I was stripped of my dignity and I\u2019ve never been the same since. Pouri. I don\u2019t think about it much, it makes me wild. I\u2019m almost 40, 3 more years to be exact. Racism has not changed one bit in my eyes from then to today. I\u2019m not afraid it\u2019s made more of a wild M\u0101ori. I find it hard to live in this Pakeha world. No love with their systems. You can use my story in your article, It’s the truth.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a typical story I hear often.  Unfortunately when people hear or suffer these stories they become fearful and Police can become the victims of future reprisals. Racism has its own whakapapa, this law or incident  begets another action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Aotearoa was criticised by CERD in 2014 for \u201clack of a coherent national strategy to eliminate racism\u201d.  In 2014, the Police apologised for the 2007 Tuhoe Raids. In 2019 the national shame and sorrow felt as a white supremacist terrorist gunned down 51 innocent Muslim victims in a Christchurch mosque.   A recent state apology was made to Pasifika 50 years after the  Dawn Raids. The formal apologies never diminish the mamae and are a recognition that a new relationship is forged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Racism is an awkward subject in any company or context<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Racism is an awkward subject in any company or context but often as an ordinary citizen going about our daily business , whether we want to or not we see injustices.   We can either ignore them or  dismantle them  layer by layer – for the betterment of our kids and our country.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Racism has been confirmed by the World Health Organisation in 2008 as a key determinant of ill health. Racism is responsible for the denial of Rangatiratanga, the basic human right of M\u0101ori to manage our own affairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dismantling racist systems that don’t work for M\u0101ori will save money <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Planning for a Racist Free Aotearoa by 2028. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a long term taxpayer, I\u2019m sure the country can save truckloads of money by <\/p>\n\n\n\n

a) dismantling racist systems that don\u2019t work for M\u0101ori and <\/p>\n\n\n\n

b)  investing in approved Kaupapa M\u0101ori led and designed programmes that reduce negative outcomes and <\/p>\n\n\n\n

c) ensuring relevant monitoring of the innovative programmes to ensure positive results for M\u0101ori are being gained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, I was honoured to be asked in March 2021,\u00a0 to be part of a Task Force for the National\u00a0 Action Plan Against Racism ( NAPAR)<\/strong>. Others on our T\u0101ngata Whenua Engagement Committee \u00a0 are\u00a0 RaKeiti Murray on behalf of the Iwi Leaders Forum ,\u00a0 ( due to ongoing security threats for people involved in anti racism mahi I have had to remove names from the article). Our T\u0101ngata Tiriti counterparts are leading Pakeha and multicultural advocates who highlight ongoing racist attacks against ethnic and religious groups in Aotearoa.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NZ Government has been a signatory to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) since 1972. In 2017, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) recommended that the New Zealand Government create a national action plan against racism, to be led and owned by the government, with the Race Relations Commissioner playing a leadership role in community engagement to assist the government\u2019s development plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our brief is to provide goals to eliminate institutional racism<\/strong> in Aotearoa.  Collectively we provide advice to the Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon on how to improve any relevant laws, government policy or practice, civil society advocacy, as well as concrete measures to reduce and eliminate racism in the country. The Race Relations Commissioner then presents our plan to the Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NAPAR Taskforce is drafting a strategy plan on how best to engage with specific interest and community groups on how to build a racist free Aotearoa.  Planning  anti – racism strategies can unleash some toxic responses in the community, so I would suggest people read a few significant articles before they begin the anti racism trek. White supremacy ideologies floating within everyday practices must cease and be dismantled immediately. I will list selected readings  at the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our role is similar to many other Maori led  advisory groups who provide ignored recommendations to the Government i.e. like the 1988 Te Puao o Te Atatu Report by John Te Rangi Aniwaniwa Rangihou et al outlining strategies to  reduce racist practices and to change its operations in the Social Welfare Department.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Following on from the UN Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2014 , another 2019 Advisory group prepared \u201cHe Puapua Report\u201d , a useful Vision 2040 roadmap for the Government to ensure M\u0101ori achieve basic human rights outlined in UNDRIP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Between 2012 and 2015 Matike Mai Aotearoa convened and chaired by Moana Jackson and Dr Margaret Mutu , facilitated 252 hui and 70 rangatahi w\u0101nanga.  In 2016, the Matike Mai Report called for constitutional transformation based on acknowledgement of He Whakaputanga o Te Rangatiratanga o Niu Tireni 1835 and Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an epic achievement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am personally and politically opposed to the notion that we allow racism to dwell uninterrupted until 2040, the 200th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.<\/em><\/strong>  I disagree that we M\u0101ori submit ourselves to a further 19 years waiting for white systemic racism to change. That\u2019s one more generation too many. The majority of Kiwis are intelligent, caring and can read. <\/strong>We can save millions of dollars a year in court hearings and sittings if people bothered to read what has already been written about racism, racist practices, systemic failure in state departments etc and proposed solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I support the national call  for Aotearoa to gain constitutional transformation but differ that it be achieved by 2028 (rather than by 2040) as a critical measure to reducing  racism . Aotearoa should discuss the Matike Mai Report over the next six years and hold a constitutional referendum within two elections to come. 2028 should be a comfortable timeframe to achieve all this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The NAPAR Taskforce is drafting a strategy plan on how best to engage with specific interest and community groups on how to build a racist free Aotearoa. Planning  anti – racism strategies can unleash some toxic responses in the community, so I would suggest people read a few significant articles before they begin the anti racism trek. White supremacy ideologies lodged deeply in government systems must cease immediately. I will list selected readings  at the end to allow people to read and digest.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I consulted  within Tai Tokerau with several Iwi , Pakeha and Pasifika leaders in many fields of work: education, anti racism practitioners, health workers, social service providers , youth workers, suicide prevention workers, road workers. I outline a summary of their feedback in four main themes to eliminate racism within Tai Tokerau and Aotearoa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Wh\u0101nau Ora – the wellbeing of Wh\u0101nau.<\/strong>  Central to any informed decision making is the wellbeing of our tamariki and wh\u0101nau short term and long term.  T<\/strong>amariki must have good relevant education, a warm dry home, food , clothing, access to hapu \/ Iwi \/ Urban M\u0101ori agencies support , necessary health and parenting services, wifi connection access, career & trades opportunities for hope filled futures and an inclusive economy . 30 years ago the late Herbie Porter said we have to break the cycle of our children ending up in prison. Investing in children and relevant education will lower M\u0101ori statistics in prison and will be a good measurement of reducing racism in the justice area.  <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    1. 2021-2027 An Extensive Education Awareness programme<\/strong> is required in Aotearoa.  <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      a) The Invisibility of Indigenous<\/strong>  <\/strong>Compared to international Independence Days around the world, the commemoration of The Declaration of Independence of New Zealand,<\/strong>  He Whakaputanga o Te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni <\/em><\/strong>Oct 28 1835 (He Whakaputanga) is a non event in NZ history<\/em><\/strong>. He Wakaputanga was the first formal written declaration of M\u0101ori sovereignty by Rangatira M\u0101ori <\/strong>who signalled <\/strong>a preferred relationship with Britain. This pronouncement of preference effectively shooed<\/strong> away French and American interests from these shores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      He Whakaputanga was historically invisible in law books and statutes for 179 years. Kaum\u0101tua, kuia and elders, many no longer with us,  won recognition in  2014  when the the Waitangi Tribunal ( Ng\u0101puhi Nui Tonu Claim Wai 1040)  affirmed \u201cNg\u0101puhi never ceded sovereignty in the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.\u201d  2035 will mark the 200th anniversary of He Whakaputanga and 2040 will mark the bicentenary of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      b) The proposed six models  of rangatiratanga,  kawanatanga and interdependence outlined in Matike Mai need discussion. Government resourcing is needed to support sharing information and to ensure meaningful conversations are led by appropriate facilitators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      c) Know the rohe, histories and mana whakahaere of your local Iwi and hapu. <\/strong>Know the roles and responsibilities of supporting tangata whenua meaningfully in your area. How to Tautoko?  Share your skills if needed to help implement hapu and Iwi visions. Stay out of the decision making process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      d) <\/strong>Encourage and support decolonisation w\u0101nanga\/programmes that provide the tools for both M\u0101ori and non-M\u0101ori to free themselves of colonisation of the mind. Consider the pursuit of international recognition of decolonisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      e) Repudiate (reject) the Doctrine of Discovery<\/strong> which has authorised white Christians since the 1400s to take over the territories non-white, non-Christian and massacre and enslave Indigenous Peoples. The Doctrine of Discovery forms the basis of the NZ legal system (see, for example, https:\/\/escholarship.org\/content\/qt3cj6w4mj\/qt3cj6w4mj.pdf?t=po79hi<\/a>) and all laws deriving from it must be repealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3. Rangatiratanga, Self-determination for M\u0101ori<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Patu Hakaraia 1990 – 150th Commemoration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      a)There are many levels of self determination- <\/strong>full independence, nation within a nation, dual management, limited autonomy in agreed areas ( ie separate healthcare services and education systems). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      b) Normalise being and speaking M\u0101ori <\/strong> in this country. Te Reo M\u0101ori was reinstated as an official language in 1987. North of Mangamuka, M\u0101ori are 80% of the residents and Kura Kaupapa students are 12% of the student population. Tai Tokerau wide there is a growing demand for more bilingual classes, transition classes from either Kohanga reo to kura or mainstream to immersion classes; establishment of more kura kaupapa\/ Kura a Iwi\/ Kura Reo M\u0101ori and the rise of Matauranga M\u0101ori in local curricula, adult classes and meaningful trade and career training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      c) 2021 <\/strong>Stop the state and local government dictating to and making decisions for and about M\u0101ori. Ensure that M\u0101ori make our own decisions about our own lives, lands, resources and territories in a timely fashion (as per Matike Mai Aotearoa). Furthermore, no actions affecting M\u0101ori can take place without the full, prior and informed consent of M\u0101ori. During Covid 2020 some M\u0101ori health and Iwi organisations, schools and others in the community stepped up to help alleviate distress and meet physical, social, mental and spiritual needs within their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      4)      Kawanatanga Decolonisation Agenda <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      a) 2021 End Tiriti breaches <\/strong>: Appoint a Tiriti Commissioner<\/strong> with binding powers to ensure that the state adheres to He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti and that all breaches cease. Any new proposed law will require approval of the Tiriti Commissioner and will save the country money instead of going through lengthy  submissions writing, expensive and prolonged  court hearings . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      b) 2022 Appoint an Indigenous Rights Commissioner <\/strong>with binding powers – responsible for ensuring that the human rights of M\u0101ori are protected and upheld as per the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples ( as signed by the NZ Government 2010).  Items  4a and 4b could be one role and must be resourced with support staffing.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      c) Constitutional transformation<\/strong> 2028<\/strong> The Government \u2013 reinstate He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu TIreni, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga as the constitutional foundations of the country that are underpinned by agreed values as listed in the Matike Mai report. Governments can assist and support the dissemination of information and conversations. It will be up to the citizens of Aotearoa to decide by referendum which of the 6 preferred models is desirable ie how Rangatiratanga and Kawanatanga can work interdependently.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      d) Settling Colonisation<\/strong>: The state must reach agreement with M\u0101ori on how to remediate the damage done by British colonisation in order to strip the racism out of the current treaty claims settlement policy and process. The policy must instead focus on returning all lands and resources stolen from M\u0101ori to those it was stolen from, removing the suffocating and racist structures imposed on those who have settled so the wh\u0101nau and hap\u016b can be empowered to manage their own lives, and ensuring that all government support provided for education, health, housing, marae infrastructure, food sovereignty, local and central government services, the justice system, commercial development, representation etc., etc., meets international human rights standards (as per United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples)   and stops discriminating against M\u0101ori.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      e)Dismantle racist institutions, frameworks, programmes and policies that perpetuate misery for M\u0101ori. <\/strong>M\u0101ori are capable of providing sustainable services to uplift M\u0101ori communities and others within the communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      Black Lives Matter Solidarity March <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      4) a)Outlaw White Supremacist organisations<\/strong>: Closely monitor the activities of white supremacists and their organisations who are currently threatening M\u0101ori and other ethnic groups and their wh\u0101nau and children with a view to prosecuting and incarcerating individuals and banning their organisations. There are at least a dozen such organisations that are known to the state but about which little is being done. In the current climate, this work is super-urgent<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      4b) Deport white supremacists to white homelands<\/strong>– a glacier or something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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