This, like all my blogs, gives my OWN opinion. It's is only my opinion.
It is open to discussion, criticism, critique and debate. This is welcome!!
-
Before reading on, have a read of this entry. It gives context to my beliefs in relation to all of this.
http://teratahikairosblog.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/tino-rangatiratanga.html
-
I believe in democracy. I believe in giving all people the chance to have and be empowered, this is the centre of many strong Governments across the world.
Though, not just Governments, but many organisations have decisions taken up by voting.
To have your say and for it to be heard, is what I believe Democracy is.
We need this. And this will always shape, form and stabilise Aotearoa-New Zealand as we know it.
Pure Democracy can give expression to Tino Rangatiratanga, in the form that the above blog entry espouses.
-
For me though, I know that Democracy as it is, has NOT always been used in the best ways for MAORI.
In fact, the very essence of Democracy, means that Maori are NOT special, because all groups can have a say.
And that for me is the rub.
Democracy is not an essential part of pre-colonisation. In those times, Democracy did NOT play a huge role in the Governance of Whanau, Hapuu and Iwi.
We were "governed" by tikanga. Or in modern terms, Natural Law determined our movements and our lives.
The height of the expression thereof, fell upon our Ariki and Rangatira.
The proof thereof, is in the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This was not a document, debated over in the public arena. Referenda were not taken on this. Votes were not cast by the whole population of Aoteroa, to give credence to that document. Rangatira signed it, and thus gave it mana.
-
OF COURSE, our country, our people, indeed all of us are NOT "governed" in this way today.
Democracy reigns. Choice, voting, wide discussion etc, etc.
-
But again I say... WHAT ABOUT MAORI?????
How can we best use Democracy? What does Democracy have to offer Maori?
-
Well, I want to take an international context.
In the Pacific, there's Fiji and Tonga.
In Asia, there's China, Thailand, Vietnam and Korea.
In the America's it's Cuba.
In Africa it's Swaziland.
And of course, most of the Middle East.
-
These are countries, where DEMOCRACY does not play a prominent role.
There are also other countries were there are varying degrees of 'democracy'. Some countries have none, in the form that we in Aotearoa-New Zealand are familiar with.
-
SO WHAT ABOUT MAORI?????
Well our entrance, our part, our governance is in the implementation and expression of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
That is our modern Foundation as a people.
Our credence, our modern racial whakapapa, our modern power, our stake in the ground, our part to play.... it ALL rests on Te Tiriti.
And so, in modern times, for our governance and for OUR MANA..... For our power, our Tino Rangatiratanga.... ALL rests in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
-
Our interaction with and use of Democracy in the modern form MUST be informed by our foundation, Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our voice. And we continue to give power to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
-
In Election year... let this be our frame of mind. Te Tiriti o Waitangi must guide our thinking, as we participate in Democracy.
Maori are at the heart of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Our votes, in Election year, must always be to empower of Tiriti voice.
We are Tiriti Partners.
Let us always be SO.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Sunday, 18 May 2014
Tamariki Whairawa
I affirm the greatness of Tamariki in Aotearoa.
Our Tamariki come from many different families in many different communities.
Aotearoa - New Zealand is a well develoed, first world nation.
We have a world class Education system, strong social security and our health system is mainly in public hands.
This means that historically we have had a Government [no matter the major party] which has always had a strong focus on our Tamariki.
-
I Know what Chilld poverty is.. having visited developing and third world nations. I've seen child neglect, child labour and a lack of strong parenting. I know how this affects tamariki and how it perpetuates poverty down the generations. I am not being biased or discriminatory, that what I saw with my eyes.
And it is NOT necessarily limited to overseas... Child abuse in some whanau in Aotearoa... plays a significant role in bringing those whanau down. That is definitely so.
-
BUT!!!! I want us to adapt our language AND our thinking!!!
We KNOW Poverty is there.. and so are whanau hardships.
-
The thing is though.. that what we believe.. WE GET!!
_
Our schools are open.. Doctors and nurses still work for us.. Social services are available... We can get jobs.. Our Marae are still open... Centres focussed on Youth are still there...
ALL The tools are available inside AND outside our own home... Tools to lift us all up.
__
Abuses are rife and systemic... But we do our OWN Tamariki a huge disservice if we don't reach for the tools for them.
If we as Adults don't take a stand for our kids.. WHO WILL???
We will!!! WE MUST!!!
Our Tamariki are RICH.
Rich in spirit... My mum always told me that...
I hope you always tell your kids that.
And do all you can to create wealth for you and your tamariki.
Kia Ora
Our Tamariki come from many different families in many different communities.
Aotearoa - New Zealand is a well develoed, first world nation.
We have a world class Education system, strong social security and our health system is mainly in public hands.
This means that historically we have had a Government [no matter the major party] which has always had a strong focus on our Tamariki.
-
I Know what Chilld poverty is.. having visited developing and third world nations. I've seen child neglect, child labour and a lack of strong parenting. I know how this affects tamariki and how it perpetuates poverty down the generations. I am not being biased or discriminatory, that what I saw with my eyes.
And it is NOT necessarily limited to overseas... Child abuse in some whanau in Aotearoa... plays a significant role in bringing those whanau down. That is definitely so.
-
BUT!!!! I want us to adapt our language AND our thinking!!!
We KNOW Poverty is there.. and so are whanau hardships.
-
The thing is though.. that what we believe.. WE GET!!
_
Our schools are open.. Doctors and nurses still work for us.. Social services are available... We can get jobs.. Our Marae are still open... Centres focussed on Youth are still there...
ALL The tools are available inside AND outside our own home... Tools to lift us all up.
__
Abuses are rife and systemic... But we do our OWN Tamariki a huge disservice if we don't reach for the tools for them.
If we as Adults don't take a stand for our kids.. WHO WILL???
We will!!! WE MUST!!!
Our Tamariki are RICH.
Rich in spirit... My mum always told me that...
I hope you always tell your kids that.
And do all you can to create wealth for you and your tamariki.
Kia Ora
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
To the Minister of Finance in 2014
Nei ka mihi ki te Minita
Sir, I have listened to my MP, Dr. Pita Sharples, speak of you in glowing terms.
You truly care not just for moving the country as whole FOWARD, But, I can see that your Government deeply cares for families.
Because of you, more people have warmer homes, more kids can get a better Education at ALL Levels, more families can be safe and secure and most of ALL New Zealanders can direct their own future.
-
For me, I want to praise the fact that you have successfully steered us out of the worst financial crisis in a generation.
The recession dealt heavy blows to Maori. We lost jobs, we lost livelihoods and our families were hurt the most by that catastrophe.
-
Now, we have a 30 BILLION Dollar Economy, More Maori are employed every day, Our radio stations and our TV Station streams our language, our sporting traditions are being upheld, our sacred knowledge is being protected, our tamariki will have BETTER health, our kids can be more ready every morning for kura, We can build MAORI Innovation and our beautiful story can be told again.
I express my heartfelt thanks, both to You, and your fellow Ministers.
MOST Of all, I greet, applaud and THANK Our Honourable Prime Minister.
E te Matua,
Nga manaakitanga ki runga i a koe, ki runga i to whanau, otira, kia taatou katoa.
Kia ora ra
TeRata Rangi Hikairo
Sir, I have listened to my MP, Dr. Pita Sharples, speak of you in glowing terms.
You truly care not just for moving the country as whole FOWARD, But, I can see that your Government deeply cares for families.
Because of you, more people have warmer homes, more kids can get a better Education at ALL Levels, more families can be safe and secure and most of ALL New Zealanders can direct their own future.
-
For me, I want to praise the fact that you have successfully steered us out of the worst financial crisis in a generation.
The recession dealt heavy blows to Maori. We lost jobs, we lost livelihoods and our families were hurt the most by that catastrophe.
-
Now, we have a 30 BILLION Dollar Economy, More Maori are employed every day, Our radio stations and our TV Station streams our language, our sporting traditions are being upheld, our sacred knowledge is being protected, our tamariki will have BETTER health, our kids can be more ready every morning for kura, We can build MAORI Innovation and our beautiful story can be told again.
I express my heartfelt thanks, both to You, and your fellow Ministers.
MOST Of all, I greet, applaud and THANK Our Honourable Prime Minister.
E te Matua,
Nga manaakitanga ki runga i a koe, ki runga i to whanau, otira, kia taatou katoa.
Kia ora ra
TeRata Rangi Hikairo
Sunday, 4 May 2014
You deserve it
Maori people are at a huge crossroads.
Two of their greatest leaders, This side of the millennium are stepping down from Political life.
--
The 2 founding co-leaders of the Maori Party are making way for new leadership and are giving younger people a chance to step up.
__
Their achievements are numerous.
--
But this blog is LESS about their incredible achievements.. but MORE about their undeniably genuine... heartfelt.. PERSONAL Principles.
--
Those principles are Whakawhanaungatanga, Manaakitanga and Rangatiratanga.
Their principles are OUR principles as Maori.
Their principles are instilled in those they work with AND are in the one's who will FOLLOW them.
They lead all Maori to Parliament in 2005.. and we got them in to Government in 2008.'
We deserve to have an independent INDIGENOUS Voice in Government.
We are the ONLY One's in all the world that have that.
It's is as valuable as the lives of our tamariki mokopuna. In fact.. their future is secured.. so long as that voice is there.
Kia Ora ano taatou.
Two of their greatest leaders, This side of the millennium are stepping down from Political life.
--
The 2 founding co-leaders of the Maori Party are making way for new leadership and are giving younger people a chance to step up.
__
Their achievements are numerous.
--
But this blog is LESS about their incredible achievements.. but MORE about their undeniably genuine... heartfelt.. PERSONAL Principles.
--
Those principles are Whakawhanaungatanga, Manaakitanga and Rangatiratanga.
Their principles are OUR principles as Maori.
Their principles are instilled in those they work with AND are in the one's who will FOLLOW them.
They lead all Maori to Parliament in 2005.. and we got them in to Government in 2008.'
We deserve to have an independent INDIGENOUS Voice in Government.
We are the ONLY One's in all the world that have that.
It's is as valuable as the lives of our tamariki mokopuna. In fact.. their future is secured.. so long as that voice is there.
Kia Ora ano taatou.
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Official Languages
These are all my OWN Thoughts and opinions.
On the status of official Languages in New Zealand...
The purpose of granting legal recognition to a language is so that a sovereign Government can make a call on which languages can be used in official settings, documents, laws, departments, ministries, speeches etc etc. It also is a strong stance of that Government which gives, in New Zealand's case grants LEGAL Recognition to it's Native language.
___
LEGAL Recognition does not affect usage. Even if a Language is not legally recognised by a country... that Language, it's prestige, it's history, its' associated culture... is NOT Diminished.
No Language on Earth, needs a Bill or Act to make it great.
-
The Maori Language in New Zealand, NEEDED Government support to help it stay alive.
And there was the idea that the Government of the past needed to play a role in this.
The same is true today.
-
All 3 of our current national languages have played a significant role in our society, and are in high regard at many levels of society, but MORE work needs to be done.
--
THIS Is a HUGE Undertaking, and needs to be the priority of successive NZ Governments.
-
It would be too much to try to officially help and legislate the status of foreign Languages in New Zealand.
NO Foreign Languages, nor their speakers actually need 'legal or Government help' in the speaking and living of Their languages.
They are spoken widely, used freely and play a major role in the communities that speak them.
Moreover it rests with FOREIGN Governments to revitalise and sustain their own languages in their own countries. Indeed the communities in those countries share that responsibility with their own foreign Governments.
As a stellar example, the Samoan Government has set up a Samoan Language Commission in Samoa. This protects Gagana Samoa.
The Cook Island's Government has also officially recognised their own native language and ought to be congratulated for this.
--
I am not seeking to stomp out other languages or say anything to that effect.
What I'm saying is that the NZ Government will focus on NZ Languages, and foreign Governments can focus on foreign languages.
I do not wish to stop anyone in New Zealand from using, reading, writing or speaking their own special language. In fact I strongly encourage that, and everyone should do so.
I am saying that the NZ Government need Not focus on foreign languages as this tramples on the mana of Foreign Governments to do so.
The priority of the NZ Government should be NZ Languages.
On the status of official Languages in New Zealand...
The purpose of granting legal recognition to a language is so that a sovereign Government can make a call on which languages can be used in official settings, documents, laws, departments, ministries, speeches etc etc. It also is a strong stance of that Government which gives, in New Zealand's case grants LEGAL Recognition to it's Native language.
___
LEGAL Recognition does not affect usage. Even if a Language is not legally recognised by a country... that Language, it's prestige, it's history, its' associated culture... is NOT Diminished.
No Language on Earth, needs a Bill or Act to make it great.
-
The Maori Language in New Zealand, NEEDED Government support to help it stay alive.
And there was the idea that the Government of the past needed to play a role in this.
The same is true today.
-
All 3 of our current national languages have played a significant role in our society, and are in high regard at many levels of society, but MORE work needs to be done.
--
THIS Is a HUGE Undertaking, and needs to be the priority of successive NZ Governments.
-
It would be too much to try to officially help and legislate the status of foreign Languages in New Zealand.
NO Foreign Languages, nor their speakers actually need 'legal or Government help' in the speaking and living of Their languages.
They are spoken widely, used freely and play a major role in the communities that speak them.
Moreover it rests with FOREIGN Governments to revitalise and sustain their own languages in their own countries. Indeed the communities in those countries share that responsibility with their own foreign Governments.
As a stellar example, the Samoan Government has set up a Samoan Language Commission in Samoa. This protects Gagana Samoa.
The Cook Island's Government has also officially recognised their own native language and ought to be congratulated for this.
--
I am not seeking to stomp out other languages or say anything to that effect.
What I'm saying is that the NZ Government will focus on NZ Languages, and foreign Governments can focus on foreign languages.
I do not wish to stop anyone in New Zealand from using, reading, writing or speaking their own special language. In fact I strongly encourage that, and everyone should do so.
I am saying that the NZ Government need Not focus on foreign languages as this tramples on the mana of Foreign Governments to do so.
The priority of the NZ Government should be NZ Languages.
Saturday, 29 March 2014
Influence with Integrity
This blog post expresses personal political ideas and beliefs. It is indeed up for discussion and is completely open to debate.
It has been posted, as you'll see on the 30th of March 2014.
__
YES!!!
Your Maori Party IS In Government. We have been since 2008 and we hope to always Be in Government.
We need to be there. You need us there.
We the Maori Party do our best to listen to you and the aspirations and dreams of you and your whanau. You and your whanau GUIDE Our direction, because we are all on this Waka together.
__
Kawanatanga is a WAKA.... It is a Waka that we travel on together.
Styled after the Waka of old, Kawanatanga is where we lead and advance our people.. All Maori and indeed ALL New Zealanders are on Our Waka together.
__
Understand this critical point. The Kawanatanga is United, but still has different people in it, all with differing views and opinions.
Our ancient waka were like this. Hoturoa, the Captain of Tainui did NOT have his tohunga Rakataura on his Waka with, BUT, Both Rakatuara AND Hoturoa made it to the Same destination... because the intention of Advancing toward Aotearoa was the same.
__
Nowadays, The waka (of Kawanatanga) doesn't go toward.. but For.. and Forward WITH Aotearoa.
__
Critical to this whole kaupapa though is the modern concept of Democracy.
__
The current Kawanatanga has an agenda, has kaupapa and things it wishes to push. Recent examples of this are the Resource Management Act Reforms, State Assets Sales AND the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The current roopu who lead the Kawanatanga wanted to push these 3 kaupapa.
The State Asset sales would takahi the Mana of Wai Maori.
And has done so...
BUT!!! From the Start, despite what that other Roopu (National) have done.. WE STAUNCHLY OPPOSED Them.
The other roopu wanted to takahi Papatuanuku with the Resource Management Act...
But we.. Your Maori Party held them up and did our best to defend Papatuanuku and stop them at every turn.
And, with the TPPA. Your Maori Party STAUNCHLY Opposes National as they try to drive forward a kaupapa that could diminish our Tino Rangatiratanga.
__
Therefore, I need you to Know that every time the other Roopu on the Waka, wish to hurt Maori and hurt Aotearoa.. we, YOUR MAORI PARTY are there to halt them... to Oppose them and to stop them.
We are NOT National. National is not us. They are not Maori.
National is National.
_
We hoe the waka of Kawanatanga to make sure that we can advance the interests of Maori.
And we know that when we advance Maori, we advance Aotearoa.
For more information, go to the Maori Party Website
It has been posted, as you'll see on the 30th of March 2014.
__
YES!!!
Your Maori Party IS In Government. We have been since 2008 and we hope to always Be in Government.
We need to be there. You need us there.
We the Maori Party do our best to listen to you and the aspirations and dreams of you and your whanau. You and your whanau GUIDE Our direction, because we are all on this Waka together.
__
Kawanatanga is a WAKA.... It is a Waka that we travel on together.
Styled after the Waka of old, Kawanatanga is where we lead and advance our people.. All Maori and indeed ALL New Zealanders are on Our Waka together.
__
Understand this critical point. The Kawanatanga is United, but still has different people in it, all with differing views and opinions.
Our ancient waka were like this. Hoturoa, the Captain of Tainui did NOT have his tohunga Rakataura on his Waka with, BUT, Both Rakatuara AND Hoturoa made it to the Same destination... because the intention of Advancing toward Aotearoa was the same.
__
Nowadays, The waka (of Kawanatanga) doesn't go toward.. but For.. and Forward WITH Aotearoa.
__
Critical to this whole kaupapa though is the modern concept of Democracy.
__
The current Kawanatanga has an agenda, has kaupapa and things it wishes to push. Recent examples of this are the Resource Management Act Reforms, State Assets Sales AND the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The current roopu who lead the Kawanatanga wanted to push these 3 kaupapa.
The State Asset sales would takahi the Mana of Wai Maori.
And has done so...
BUT!!! From the Start, despite what that other Roopu (National) have done.. WE STAUNCHLY OPPOSED Them.
The other roopu wanted to takahi Papatuanuku with the Resource Management Act...
But we.. Your Maori Party held them up and did our best to defend Papatuanuku and stop them at every turn.
And, with the TPPA. Your Maori Party STAUNCHLY Opposes National as they try to drive forward a kaupapa that could diminish our Tino Rangatiratanga.
__
Therefore, I need you to Know that every time the other Roopu on the Waka, wish to hurt Maori and hurt Aotearoa.. we, YOUR MAORI PARTY are there to halt them... to Oppose them and to stop them.
We are NOT National. National is not us. They are not Maori.
National is National.
_
We hoe the waka of Kawanatanga to make sure that we can advance the interests of Maori.
And we know that when we advance Maori, we advance Aotearoa.
For more information, go to the Maori Party Website
Saturday, 22 March 2014
MANDATED AUTHORITY
This is a personal blog, expressing personal and individual thoughts and opinions.
It is open to challenge. Nevertheless, I hold to my own ideas.
____
I grew up in Ngapuhi. I have climbed my maunga and I have swam in my awa and the wahapu.
I have spoken on my own marae and have good relationships with the taumata.
I have my pepeha and my whakapapa.
I am one of the tens of thousands of Ngapuhi living in South Auckland. But, my Nan, my uncles and my cousins live under my maunga and in between our urupa and our awa.
-
I AM NGAPUHI, NGAPUHI IS ME!!!!
_____
I freely admit that I did Not actively participate in the selection of the [former] Tuhoronuku group.
In fact, I remember getting the voting forms and thinking 'Why vote in this??? Ngapuhi will Never settle'.
__
BUT, On the 14th of February 2014, This personal assertion was smashed to pieces.
I had just days earlier, shaken hands with and greeted Minister Finlayson and walked with him on to Te Tii Marae.
I had No actual idea, that he with his Ministerial colleague, Dr. Sharples who we also walked on to the Marae with, would sign the letter sent to Ngapuhi.
The Crown had recognised the Mandate of Tuhoronuku.
I remember standing in a carpark, reading the email that had informed me of this.
MY HEART SOARED!!!!!
I was taken aback, but also extremely proud, extremely pleased, that at long last, we as an Iwi, had the oppurtunity to begin to move forward.
-
I have proudly carried that joy for just over a month.
Tonight, after attending a Tuhoronuku Information Hui, I have the substance to back up why I can feel proud.
-
My heart praises the integrity of the caretaker committee, who were once part of Te Runanga, but are now Independent. But, even THEN, for the sake of their integrity, they are stepping aside to FULLY AND COMPLETELY allow for the Democratic unity of Iwi to decide who will make up the
'Tuhoronuku Independent Mandated Authority'.
---
OF COURSE, there is opposition. In all things, there is Opposition.
But I Now know, for a fact that that litigious rag-tag bunch [which lessens and lessens each day], has VESTED Interests, and actively spread mistruths and misinformation, coupled with seemingly genuine rhetoric, to advance said vested interests.
I am saddened that a small small group, blinded by greed and pride, wish to derail and stop OUR Ability as an Iwi, to move forward.
-
It is not my place to reveal their true intentions, but I will say that this opposition only wish to feather their own nests.
--
BUT, Tuhoronuku, the Kite of Peace, will keep flying on. Will keep soaring higher and higher.
Our kite, carries our aspirations. We are our largest iwi, with many many many hapuu and marae.
We are at a historical crossroads.
--
But it is with Tuhoronuku, that we fly higher.
Teena Taatou Katoa.
It is open to challenge. Nevertheless, I hold to my own ideas.
____
I grew up in Ngapuhi. I have climbed my maunga and I have swam in my awa and the wahapu.
I have spoken on my own marae and have good relationships with the taumata.
I have my pepeha and my whakapapa.
I am one of the tens of thousands of Ngapuhi living in South Auckland. But, my Nan, my uncles and my cousins live under my maunga and in between our urupa and our awa.
-
I AM NGAPUHI, NGAPUHI IS ME!!!!
_____
I freely admit that I did Not actively participate in the selection of the [former] Tuhoronuku group.
In fact, I remember getting the voting forms and thinking 'Why vote in this??? Ngapuhi will Never settle'.
__
BUT, On the 14th of February 2014, This personal assertion was smashed to pieces.
I had just days earlier, shaken hands with and greeted Minister Finlayson and walked with him on to Te Tii Marae.
I had No actual idea, that he with his Ministerial colleague, Dr. Sharples who we also walked on to the Marae with, would sign the letter sent to Ngapuhi.
The Crown had recognised the Mandate of Tuhoronuku.
I remember standing in a carpark, reading the email that had informed me of this.
MY HEART SOARED!!!!!
I was taken aback, but also extremely proud, extremely pleased, that at long last, we as an Iwi, had the oppurtunity to begin to move forward.
-
I have proudly carried that joy for just over a month.
Tonight, after attending a Tuhoronuku Information Hui, I have the substance to back up why I can feel proud.
-
My heart praises the integrity of the caretaker committee, who were once part of Te Runanga, but are now Independent. But, even THEN, for the sake of their integrity, they are stepping aside to FULLY AND COMPLETELY allow for the Democratic unity of Iwi to decide who will make up the
'Tuhoronuku Independent Mandated Authority'.
---
OF COURSE, there is opposition. In all things, there is Opposition.
But I Now know, for a fact that that litigious rag-tag bunch [which lessens and lessens each day], has VESTED Interests, and actively spread mistruths and misinformation, coupled with seemingly genuine rhetoric, to advance said vested interests.
I am saddened that a small small group, blinded by greed and pride, wish to derail and stop OUR Ability as an Iwi, to move forward.
-
It is not my place to reveal their true intentions, but I will say that this opposition only wish to feather their own nests.
--
BUT, Tuhoronuku, the Kite of Peace, will keep flying on. Will keep soaring higher and higher.
Our kite, carries our aspirations. We are our largest iwi, with many many many hapuu and marae.
We are at a historical crossroads.
--
But it is with Tuhoronuku, that we fly higher.
Teena Taatou Katoa.
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