Holding despair and hope
I’m writing this blog as I prepare for a fireside chat with Kahurangi Fergusson-Tibble – it’s on Te Tiriti and the current government’s actions – particularly those relating to its commitments to rewrite, replace, repeal Treaty principles.
I know the questions ahead of time and the last one, and perhaps the most difficult right now, is “What gives you hope in these times?”
Like many of us doing this work, I struggle to feel an ounce of hope today. I feel despair at the decisions of this government – at their racism, the division they are creating, at the short-termism in the face of social and environmental crises.
The pace of change and regression we face feels overwhelming. Every week there is something more which adds to their consistent attack on Māori. From the government overriding local democracy, through its legislation to discriminate against Māori wards, to undermining the courts, to preventing action towards health equity. The actions of MPs and ministers are benefiting those with the most and taking from those most disadvantaged in our society. On top of all of this, the government is going ahead with introducing the Treaty Principles Bill – a deeply harmful bill based on misinformation, the likes of which we’ve never seen before, designed to erase Māori rights and allow further exploitation of te taiao.
It is vicious and unrelenting. Government Ministers keep saying they are restoring democracy while their actions destroy democracy as the voices of the people (and the planet) are ignored. MPs are acting not only without evidence but against evidence. Those most impacted by their decisions – all of our mokopuna – are disregarded throughout their decision-making. The outcry about these injustices is strong both locally and internationally and yet they continue on regardless.
Significantly, all these government actions intentionally take energy away from the many exciting initiatives actions happening to heal our communities.
Returning to what prompted me to write this, I must answer the question about what gives me hope, and so I give myself five minutes and write this list:
- The thousands and thousands who attended Toitū Te Tiriti hīkoi on Budget Day and the mobilisation of thousands and the messages of strength and aroha at kotahitanga gatherings.
- The support shown by so many councils who are voting to keep or continue with the establishment of Māori wards. And Environment Canterbury clearly stating their commitment to retain Ngāi Tahu seats.
- The New Zealand Book Awards – a wonderful celebration Aotearoa stories, Māori stories, Māori writers, stories of this place for all our kids.
- Experiencing the enthusiasm and thirst for learning about Te Tiriti from people we’re working with in the private and community sectors.
- The thousands too who have petitioned the government about the protection of te taiao and tamariki in response to Fast Track Approvals and Oranga Tamariki legislation.
- Recognition of the leading work of Māori in tech with wins in local and international awards.
- Experiencing Atamira Dance Company’s amazing work – Ka Mua, Ka Muri.
- The work in communities like Kaipara and Te Umu Kaha (Temuka) to restore the health and the mauri of moana and awa.
- The Vietnamese families who recently came to a weekend Te Tiriti talk eager to learn.
The five minutes are up, and I realise that I’m only just getting started! I’m feeling uplifted and grateful for being prompted to do this. It’s a useful activity. I still feel the anger and despair, but I remember that all this amazing work is continuing, despite the government, and will grow.
It brings me back to the title of this blog, te aro o te hā, as I think about what I am turning towards in these times. Grief and despair are normal responses to attacks on everything we know to be fair and just. And responding to these actions can be all-consuming. Alongside that though, we must give our attention to the critical, hopeful life-giving work that continues, and the people and communities leading that work.
For anyone who cares about our country these times are distressing, yet every day tangata Tiriti can and must show up by:
- Talking to our friends, colleagues and families about the issues with this government – sharing accurate information and not sharing misinformation
- supporting Māori organisations and kaupapa (financially if we have disposable income)
- understanding the issues and joining those opposing the Treaty Principles Bill
- writing our own lists, keeping adding to it and sharing with our friends, colleagues and families the good that Te Tiriti honouring brings.
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Listen to Whakamana i te Tiriti with Jen and Kahurangi here.
