This is my first blog post in over a week.
I have changed locations.
I've travelled 4 hours North from my usual location [Auckland NZ] to the Hokianga.
I'll be here for 4 weeks.
-
This is where I was raised, where I went to school.
This is my community. I get my sense of self and my sense of belonging from this very place.
I was born here and have an innate, intrinsic connection to this land stretching across the centuries, when my ancestors landed on these shores to find their piece of Paradise.
-
Being here, I love seeing stars at night. I love knowing that it's not the planes overhead, but the cows on pastures near that wake me in the morning.
I love how sound echoes around the mountains. I love being just metres from the shore.
I love the closeness of the people here.
For me, in all the earth, nowhere is as beautiful as my home.
This is MY Home.
-
This is a personal blog entry, and may seem rather parochial to some of my more international readers.
But if you did take the time to read this, Kia Ora, Thank you.
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
Sunday, 11 August 2013
Political Strategy
Good evening Reader
I usually blog in the day [in NZ]. But today I devoted 10 beautiful hours to the Maori Party, and to the Member of Parliament for the Tamaki Makaurau Electorate, Hon. Dr Pita Sharples.
Today he opened a new office in order to be more effectively accessible to both his constituents and his electors
I have been a Member of the Maori Party since 2008, and have been active in my membership since 2010.
I believe in this Party, and in the kaupapa for which it stands.
With about 16 months until the General Elections here in New Zealand, I have relearned today
how important it is to be politically involved.
-
We as a Nation are a comparatively young democracy.
Our nation is not even 2 centuries old.
And yet this young nation is unique in our region and throughout the world.
Born of a partnership forged by over 500 noble signatures, our ancestors could not have even begun to imagine the implications of putting their inked marks on a parchment which would form a nation.
That partnership is alive today, at tribal levels, at municipal levels and at national levels.
-
We MUST remember as a nation, as citizens, but most importantly as Electors....
What ever problems we find in our nation, in the government or anywhere.... [all of which we are all acutely aware]
We must BE THE Change we wish to see.
It is up to us to make impressions that will last.
Because as those 500+ noble signatories were aware, over 170 years ago...
What we do now, will echo down the years making impacts greater than we can yet imagine....
I usually blog in the day [in NZ]. But today I devoted 10 beautiful hours to the Maori Party, and to the Member of Parliament for the Tamaki Makaurau Electorate, Hon. Dr Pita Sharples.
Today he opened a new office in order to be more effectively accessible to both his constituents and his electors
I have been a Member of the Maori Party since 2008, and have been active in my membership since 2010.
I believe in this Party, and in the kaupapa for which it stands.
With about 16 months until the General Elections here in New Zealand, I have relearned today
how important it is to be politically involved.
-
We as a Nation are a comparatively young democracy.
Our nation is not even 2 centuries old.
And yet this young nation is unique in our region and throughout the world.
Born of a partnership forged by over 500 noble signatures, our ancestors could not have even begun to imagine the implications of putting their inked marks on a parchment which would form a nation.
That partnership is alive today, at tribal levels, at municipal levels and at national levels.
-
We MUST remember as a nation, as citizens, but most importantly as Electors....
What ever problems we find in our nation, in the government or anywhere.... [all of which we are all acutely aware]
We must BE THE Change we wish to see.
It is up to us to make impressions that will last.
Because as those 500+ noble signatories were aware, over 170 years ago...
What we do now, will echo down the years making impacts greater than we can yet imagine....
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Reaffirm Life
It seems that when I have a blog post with a controversial title and/or subject matter I get more views.
Well I have to say, There is NO Social issue closer to my heart, no more important an issue, no more relevant to the lives of thousands every day then the issue of 'Suicide', and especially how to prevent more and more suicides.
-
You may be reading this, and someone you know has lost their lives to suicide.
You may be comforting a friend, associate or another member of your family, who may be dealing with a recent suicide.
Or, like me you have nobody immediately close to you who has died in this way, but you are passionate enough, and have enough compassion to care and do something about this.
-
If you are contemplating this as an option LISTEN TO ME.
The good that you do.. DOES MATTER. Honestly, it may seem small to you, but it is NOTICED.
You DO Matter. I Truly know it doesn't seem like that, but you do matter. It's so hard to see, hear and know, but those around you in the main, DO CARE.
Ohhh and here's the smile you want to see :)
-
If you have lost somebody to suicide, I extend my love and care for you.
I don't pretend to know what it's like, but know that I am here.
-
I do have to say that if you are one of the people who Just want to do something about suicide in your community... PLEASE Keep reading.
-
If you have done anything in any capacity to try prevent suicide.. I greatly commend you and your intention.. and ask you to keep reading on order to make sure that from now on you'll do the BEST job possible to truly help the most people.
-
You need to know, especially if you are in New Zealand, that in the main, the current 'Mental Health' based model of suicide prevention is... INHERENTLY FLAWED.
It is unworkable. Suicides are not reducing. Any statistics to suggest that they are have been skewed.
-
The idea that one needs to medicate his thoughts and feelings, especially with Psychiatric medication... is not based in ANY Scientific fact.
-
A person contemplating suicide IS NOT Mentally Ill, Is not disordered, is not sick.
-
But your question may be, 'If they are not sick, then what are they?'.
The simple answer.. is they are a person. A beautiful person in need of your love, in need of your care.
They are in need of the basic human touch.
-
A person who wants to die, may have lost their fear of death.
The solution is not take away everything that can be used to bring about that death.
The solution is to help them see the Greatness of life.
-
A person who no longer believes in themselves and their contribution, has not been told enough that they are worth it.
It is that simple. YOU Need to tell them. You need to show them that they are.
-
A person who believes that their problems are too much and need to escape from them....
That person needs YOU... You need to be there for them and show them that yes,, they CAN face what is happening and can go on.
-
The simple act of smiling at a sad stranger, taking a cuppa to your Nan, making your friend a sandwich, going with your cousin to the mall, going fishing with your brother, taking your sister out to town to sing at kareoke, high-fiving your dad, kissing your mum...
These are all simple but POWERFUL examples of how you can reaffirm life.
These are all ways to prevent suicide.
-
Know that when you just be there for the ones you love [or even the one's that you dont] you are doing something to strengthen life.
-
That is the BEST Way to reaffirm life.
Please open another tab or window and visit https://www.facebook.com/Caspercommunity/?fref=ts immediately
You can also email me terata@hotmail.com for more information
Well I have to say, There is NO Social issue closer to my heart, no more important an issue, no more relevant to the lives of thousands every day then the issue of 'Suicide', and especially how to prevent more and more suicides.
-
You may be reading this, and someone you know has lost their lives to suicide.
You may be comforting a friend, associate or another member of your family, who may be dealing with a recent suicide.
Or, like me you have nobody immediately close to you who has died in this way, but you are passionate enough, and have enough compassion to care and do something about this.
-
If you are contemplating this as an option LISTEN TO ME.
The good that you do.. DOES MATTER. Honestly, it may seem small to you, but it is NOTICED.
You DO Matter. I Truly know it doesn't seem like that, but you do matter. It's so hard to see, hear and know, but those around you in the main, DO CARE.
Ohhh and here's the smile you want to see :)
-
If you have lost somebody to suicide, I extend my love and care for you.
I don't pretend to know what it's like, but know that I am here.
-
I do have to say that if you are one of the people who Just want to do something about suicide in your community... PLEASE Keep reading.
-
If you have done anything in any capacity to try prevent suicide.. I greatly commend you and your intention.. and ask you to keep reading on order to make sure that from now on you'll do the BEST job possible to truly help the most people.
-
You need to know, especially if you are in New Zealand, that in the main, the current 'Mental Health' based model of suicide prevention is... INHERENTLY FLAWED.
It is unworkable. Suicides are not reducing. Any statistics to suggest that they are have been skewed.
-
The idea that one needs to medicate his thoughts and feelings, especially with Psychiatric medication... is not based in ANY Scientific fact.
-
A person contemplating suicide IS NOT Mentally Ill, Is not disordered, is not sick.
-
But your question may be, 'If they are not sick, then what are they?'.
The simple answer.. is they are a person. A beautiful person in need of your love, in need of your care.
They are in need of the basic human touch.
-
A person who wants to die, may have lost their fear of death.
The solution is not take away everything that can be used to bring about that death.
The solution is to help them see the Greatness of life.
-
A person who no longer believes in themselves and their contribution, has not been told enough that they are worth it.
It is that simple. YOU Need to tell them. You need to show them that they are.
-
A person who believes that their problems are too much and need to escape from them....
That person needs YOU... You need to be there for them and show them that yes,, they CAN face what is happening and can go on.
-
The simple act of smiling at a sad stranger, taking a cuppa to your Nan, making your friend a sandwich, going with your cousin to the mall, going fishing with your brother, taking your sister out to town to sing at kareoke, high-fiving your dad, kissing your mum...
These are all simple but POWERFUL examples of how you can reaffirm life.
These are all ways to prevent suicide.
-
Know that when you just be there for the ones you love [or even the one's that you dont] you are doing something to strengthen life.
-
That is the BEST Way to reaffirm life.
Please open another tab or window and visit https://www.facebook.com/Caspercommunity/?fref=ts immediately
You can also email me terata@hotmail.com for more information
Monday, 29 July 2013
Young Parents
Today's post looks at a topic that I am terming 'Young Parents'.
There is another term to describe Parents under the ages of 20, 18 or 16.
I won't use that term here today.
-
I only raise this issue because I had watched some youtube videos and then saw a Facebook post about this Very topic.
-
My views about this have adapted as I have grown up.
-
I'll admit, that at the writing of this post I am not yet a parent, and possibilities don't yet exist for me to become a parent.
But I want to express my view. So here goes.
-
Some people may say that young people, under 20, or 18 or even 16, who become Parents are irresponsible.
I do not take this view. I have seen in different families and communities, where young people have become parents.
I do not say that it is 'irresponsible' to do so.
I can't take this view.
The reason why I can't take that view is because I honestly view EVERY single child on Earth, as a gift.
I can not comment on all the positive and negative circumstances surrounding the arrival of these gifts in to our world.
They are many and varied.
-
I will say this.
There is a 'lack of responsibility'. But is doesn't rest solely with the 2 young parents.
-
My question is... For the parents of those young parents.. and indeed the wider whanau AND community...
What relationships.. What communication... What aroha was fostered and created in That whanau?
-
Because for me... Young parents may only become young parents [and I'm specifically addressing the issue of it happening withOut the knowledge of their own parents]
If... Communication... Cohesion.. Cooperation.. Aroha and a strong dynamic relationship WAS NOT extant.
-
Yes.. I'm saying.. If people become young parents 'secretly' and without the knowledge of their wider whanau...
I'd say it is ONLY because that wider whanau was NOT strong... was not fully and properly communicating.. and not providing a safe environment for those Young People.
-
The opposite is ALSO True... Young parents who become young parents .. with their wider whanau knowing
Are likely to have open, frank and full communication with that wider whanau.
Strong bonds and relationships are probably extant in that whanau also.
-
So there it is...
My own views.. my own opinion about 'Young Parenthood'.
-
I neither actively discourage nor encourage people to become parents Under the age of 20, 18 or even 16.
I only say.. that if this happens it is important for the wider families [ON BOTH SIDES] to be fully supportive... in knowledge... in nurturing... in care AND in understanding.
-
This is the only way that we can foster stronger families, through full and open communication, through cooperation, through cohesion
AND AROHA!!!
There is another term to describe Parents under the ages of 20, 18 or 16.
I won't use that term here today.
-
I only raise this issue because I had watched some youtube videos and then saw a Facebook post about this Very topic.
-
My views about this have adapted as I have grown up.
-
I'll admit, that at the writing of this post I am not yet a parent, and possibilities don't yet exist for me to become a parent.
But I want to express my view. So here goes.
-
Some people may say that young people, under 20, or 18 or even 16, who become Parents are irresponsible.
I do not take this view. I have seen in different families and communities, where young people have become parents.
I do not say that it is 'irresponsible' to do so.
I can't take this view.
The reason why I can't take that view is because I honestly view EVERY single child on Earth, as a gift.
I can not comment on all the positive and negative circumstances surrounding the arrival of these gifts in to our world.
They are many and varied.
-
I will say this.
There is a 'lack of responsibility'. But is doesn't rest solely with the 2 young parents.
-
My question is... For the parents of those young parents.. and indeed the wider whanau AND community...
What relationships.. What communication... What aroha was fostered and created in That whanau?
-
Because for me... Young parents may only become young parents [and I'm specifically addressing the issue of it happening withOut the knowledge of their own parents]
If... Communication... Cohesion.. Cooperation.. Aroha and a strong dynamic relationship WAS NOT extant.
-
Yes.. I'm saying.. If people become young parents 'secretly' and without the knowledge of their wider whanau...
I'd say it is ONLY because that wider whanau was NOT strong... was not fully and properly communicating.. and not providing a safe environment for those Young People.
-
The opposite is ALSO True... Young parents who become young parents .. with their wider whanau knowing
Are likely to have open, frank and full communication with that wider whanau.
Strong bonds and relationships are probably extant in that whanau also.
-
So there it is...
My own views.. my own opinion about 'Young Parenthood'.
-
I neither actively discourage nor encourage people to become parents Under the age of 20, 18 or even 16.
I only say.. that if this happens it is important for the wider families [ON BOTH SIDES] to be fully supportive... in knowledge... in nurturing... in care AND in understanding.
-
This is the only way that we can foster stronger families, through full and open communication, through cooperation, through cohesion
AND AROHA!!!
Friday, 26 July 2013
Standing up against Tyranny
Today's post comes of the heels off the last blog post about Tino Rangatiratanga which received positive feedback.
These are completely, my OWN opinions!!!
-
Today there will be Nationwide protest's against NEW GCSB Legislation.
I HAVE NOT read the legislation, I have Not read all stories for and against, I have not sene or read all official statements for and against this legislation.
-
That being said... As an a normal New Zealander... I am still allowed to have an opinion.
It is my democratic RIGHT to express my thoughts, feelings and ideas.
-
I am NOT sure of the legality of saying what I am about to say.
I have been interrogated by the Police, I have been interrogated by the Criminal Investigation Bureau, I have been interrogated by the NZ Security Intelligence Service.
This is NOT public knowledge and may seem like a over exaggeration to some.
Nevertheless, it is all true.
I know what that is like.
I don't like the reasoning behind it, I don't like it being done, or the way it is done.
-
Therefore I will say...
I can NOT give any support to any proposal to strengthen the power of the GCSB.
It is not in my interests to support this.
It is not in the interests of my whanau, my hapuu, my Iwi, my people, my friends, my neighbours, my city, my region, my colleagues past and present, it is not in the interests of ANYBODY that I know.
It does NOT tautoko any of us.
It is not a way of helping any of us.
I do not believe in strengthening the power of the Government to spy on it's citizens.
-
We talk about 'Kim Dotcom'.
I don't want to.. that's for Him.
-
For me, when the Government, spied on and terrorized OUR people in Tuhoe.. that.. even before this legislation...
was enough of a traumatic experience for women and children in Tuhoe... to show us, that spying on and terrorising citizens is NOT okay.
-
It violates our basic human rights to privacy, to the mana AND the tapu of our whanau, our kainga.
-
My kainga, my whanau, they are tapu to me.
My family is sacred to me.
-
I DO NOT stand for anything, or anyone that wishes to diminish or trample upon that TAPU.
-
I don't support anything that could stop my power to korero, to pass my matauranga, to my people and to my future Uri.
-
This legislation IS NOT conducive to the safety of your whanau or my whanau.
OPPOSE THIS BILL.
PROTEST.
If it makes it to the Select Committee.. make submissions AGAINST This Bill.
-
THIS MUST Be stopped.
-
Seriously, the state-propaganda machine, with it huge Police stations, it's Army bases, it's hidden Intelligence headquarters, and it's multiple 'Intelligence Agencies' with ALREADY wide powers...
is already powerful in that it can take anyone out if it so wishes.
The GCSB don't need ANYMORE Power.
OPPOSE, OPPOSE, OPPOSE!!!!
These are completely, my OWN opinions!!!
-
Today there will be Nationwide protest's against NEW GCSB Legislation.
I HAVE NOT read the legislation, I have Not read all stories for and against, I have not sene or read all official statements for and against this legislation.
-
That being said... As an a normal New Zealander... I am still allowed to have an opinion.
It is my democratic RIGHT to express my thoughts, feelings and ideas.
-
I am NOT sure of the legality of saying what I am about to say.
I have been interrogated by the Police, I have been interrogated by the Criminal Investigation Bureau, I have been interrogated by the NZ Security Intelligence Service.
This is NOT public knowledge and may seem like a over exaggeration to some.
Nevertheless, it is all true.
I know what that is like.
I don't like the reasoning behind it, I don't like it being done, or the way it is done.
-
Therefore I will say...
I can NOT give any support to any proposal to strengthen the power of the GCSB.
It is not in my interests to support this.
It is not in the interests of my whanau, my hapuu, my Iwi, my people, my friends, my neighbours, my city, my region, my colleagues past and present, it is not in the interests of ANYBODY that I know.
It does NOT tautoko any of us.
It is not a way of helping any of us.
I do not believe in strengthening the power of the Government to spy on it's citizens.
-
We talk about 'Kim Dotcom'.
I don't want to.. that's for Him.
-
For me, when the Government, spied on and terrorized OUR people in Tuhoe.. that.. even before this legislation...
was enough of a traumatic experience for women and children in Tuhoe... to show us, that spying on and terrorising citizens is NOT okay.
-
It violates our basic human rights to privacy, to the mana AND the tapu of our whanau, our kainga.
-
My kainga, my whanau, they are tapu to me.
My family is sacred to me.
-
I DO NOT stand for anything, or anyone that wishes to diminish or trample upon that TAPU.
-
I don't support anything that could stop my power to korero, to pass my matauranga, to my people and to my future Uri.
-
This legislation IS NOT conducive to the safety of your whanau or my whanau.
OPPOSE THIS BILL.
PROTEST.
If it makes it to the Select Committee.. make submissions AGAINST This Bill.
-
THIS MUST Be stopped.
-
Seriously, the state-propaganda machine, with it huge Police stations, it's Army bases, it's hidden Intelligence headquarters, and it's multiple 'Intelligence Agencies' with ALREADY wide powers...
is already powerful in that it can take anyone out if it so wishes.
The GCSB don't need ANYMORE Power.
OPPOSE, OPPOSE, OPPOSE!!!!
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Tino Rangatiratanga
Today's entry is mainly aspirational and talks about my hopes and dreams for not only my people but all Indigenous people throughout the world.
-
Tino : Very - Much - Many - A lot
Ranga : Weaving , Binding, Bringing together
Tira: Groups, Groups of Men, Groups of People
Tanga : Tion - Ism - Ness
_
My translation : Exercising the right, capability and power to bring people together, to lead.
Actively pursuing and creating this right, this capability
-
This is my own Translation for 'Tino Rangatiratanga'. I make no reference to other translations of this term, though other people may like this translation, and can use it.
-
I believe the earliest written use of this term... Was either in the Declaration of Independence or Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
-
It is what is intrinsically part of every Human Being.
He has his right to determine his way in how he will achieve his 'Tino Rangatiratanga'.
-
Indigenous Peoples exercised their rights and capabilities over their gifts, lands, culture and language for millennia.
Indigenous people have the same rights to do this TODAY.
-
We must Not continue to give credence to forces, groups, ideas and ideologies which are contrary to our own 'Tino Rangatiratanga'.
-
Before the United Nations guaranteed our rights... WE HAD THEM.
It is up to each of us to fully exercise them
-
Those who do not exercise their rights.. passively contribute to the detriment of those same rights.
-
We must all stand up for our, political, educational, linguistic, cultural, economic and National interests, capabilities, for our potential...
and
We must work to Govern those institutions that we always Governed.
It is our right.
Our ancestors plead... Our descendants Need....
-
Tino : Very - Much - Many - A lot
Ranga : Weaving , Binding, Bringing together
Tira: Groups, Groups of Men, Groups of People
Tanga : Tion - Ism - Ness
_
My translation : Exercising the right, capability and power to bring people together, to lead.
Actively pursuing and creating this right, this capability
-
This is my own Translation for 'Tino Rangatiratanga'. I make no reference to other translations of this term, though other people may like this translation, and can use it.
-
I believe the earliest written use of this term... Was either in the Declaration of Independence or Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
-
It is what is intrinsically part of every Human Being.
He has his right to determine his way in how he will achieve his 'Tino Rangatiratanga'.
-
Indigenous Peoples exercised their rights and capabilities over their gifts, lands, culture and language for millennia.
Indigenous people have the same rights to do this TODAY.
-
We must Not continue to give credence to forces, groups, ideas and ideologies which are contrary to our own 'Tino Rangatiratanga'.
-
Before the United Nations guaranteed our rights... WE HAD THEM.
It is up to each of us to fully exercise them
-
Those who do not exercise their rights.. passively contribute to the detriment of those same rights.
-
We must all stand up for our, political, educational, linguistic, cultural, economic and National interests, capabilities, for our potential...
and
We must work to Govern those institutions that we always Governed.
It is our right.
Our ancestors plead... Our descendants Need....
Monday, 22 July 2013
Birth of a New Prince and what this means to me
I share my joy with the parents, grandparents, and great grandparents of His Royal Highness.
The millions of people in the 54 Commonwealth Nations also rejoice at the birth of a new Prince.
-
Arguably we share with those nations one of the most recognisable monarchies in the world.
The British Monarchy are well respected for who they are.
This is Not an understatement.
-
Even the hardest republican can't argue that in New Zealand and many other nations.... we have a stable form of Government.
-
The Crown is the foundation of that Government.
-
Now I don't forget the history and the things that have happened in the name of the Crown here in Aotearoa.
I just want to say that just because something is done in the name of a Monarch.. does Not mean the Monarch likes it...
I'm of the view that our Head of State genuinely cares for her people's.
-
For me I am a proud 'Royalist/Monarchist'.
It annoys me that I need a label to say 'I'm loyal to our form of Government and it's Institutions'.
But I'll say that I believe in having a separate Head of State and Head of Government.
-
Our Head of State needs to be accountable not only to us but to the other nations over which she has Dominion.
Our Head of State is above the day-to-day partisan Politics... and remains steady and sure for us in such uncertain times.
She is supported by her local representative.
They direct the actions of the Head of Government making sure that peace and democracy are always upheld.
-
I am proud that in it's short history this System has never failed.
-
The new born baby has come in to ancient tradition and a great legacy left by his ancestors.
This new born baby cooing in his cot may not yet realise for many years, how much he means to so many people.
God bless him. God bless his family.
God bless New Zealand.
The millions of people in the 54 Commonwealth Nations also rejoice at the birth of a new Prince.
-
Arguably we share with those nations one of the most recognisable monarchies in the world.
The British Monarchy are well respected for who they are.
This is Not an understatement.
-
Even the hardest republican can't argue that in New Zealand and many other nations.... we have a stable form of Government.
-
The Crown is the foundation of that Government.
-
Now I don't forget the history and the things that have happened in the name of the Crown here in Aotearoa.
I just want to say that just because something is done in the name of a Monarch.. does Not mean the Monarch likes it...
I'm of the view that our Head of State genuinely cares for her people's.
-
For me I am a proud 'Royalist/Monarchist'.
It annoys me that I need a label to say 'I'm loyal to our form of Government and it's Institutions'.
But I'll say that I believe in having a separate Head of State and Head of Government.
-
Our Head of State needs to be accountable not only to us but to the other nations over which she has Dominion.
Our Head of State is above the day-to-day partisan Politics... and remains steady and sure for us in such uncertain times.
She is supported by her local representative.
They direct the actions of the Head of Government making sure that peace and democracy are always upheld.
-
I am proud that in it's short history this System has never failed.
-
The new born baby has come in to ancient tradition and a great legacy left by his ancestors.
This new born baby cooing in his cot may not yet realise for many years, how much he means to so many people.
God bless him. God bless his family.
God bless New Zealand.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)