I have believed for a long time that the problems concerning Maori are brought about as a result of this country operating under a system of reverse racism. There are some who will regard that statement as nothing short of blasphemy. I would remind them that the truth often hurts.
Audrey Young’s article in a weekend newspaper is, on the whole a well balanced piece, not that I agree with everything she says. The article compares the inexperience of Jacinda Ardern to the experience of Winston Peters. This was highlighted last week by Peters’ handling of Maori issues at the prime minister’s weekly press conference and it is Maori issues I wish to concentrate on. Ardern, you will recall, was on a Clayton’s prime ministerial visit to Tokelau with the Dada to celebrate her birthday. It should be noted that the age she has attained seems to be at variance with her ability to carry out her duties.
That aside what needs addressing is why these issues regularly attract such prominence. Here’s why. Many Maori appear to want to be treated as a special race of people who demand, or certainly think they require, different consideration to people of other ethnicities resident in New Zealand. The fact that this is more of a hindrance than a help seems to have escaped the consciousness of those clamouring for this type of governance.
Maori need to address their problems from within the political framework and laws that the rest of the population adhere to. The continuing mantra of we were here first and therefore it’s the fault of everyone who came after needs to stop. This type of thinking, if they only realised it, is not good for their mental well-being. They immediately frame themselves as being less capable than everybody else. Colonisation is not the problem, it’s their insistence they are a race who deserve special attention on the basis that they were the first inhabitants of this land.
The land issues have and are continuing to be addressed and rightly so. The Treaty of Waitangi has been honoured in this regard. The Treaty obligations should stop right there. The Tribunal should hear nothing to do with any other subject. Some of the monies from these settlements should be used by iwi to address the social issues that are of concern. Maoridom needs to stop blaming everyone else for their problems and set about solving them from within where possible.
As Audrey Young points out, Winston, in referring to Oranga Tamariki, didn’t talk in slogans about colonisation and the state “stealing babies”. He raised the issue of violence against women and children, he stuck up for the integrity of social workers and for a fledgling institution deemed a failure before it had even got off the ground. He talked about babies that are being killed – three since May. Peters did not dismiss whanau concerns or suggest no problem existed but he added that a complex issue cannot simply be solved by handing $1 billion to Whanau Ora and extending its mandate to Maori child welfare.
Oh Winston, if only you spoke this sensibly on a daily basis.
Audrey says Jacinda is not sure-footed in dealing with Maori issues. Perhaps changing from slipper lookalikes to proper shoes might help. I don’t think so. Apart from waffling on about kindness and wellbeing, giving hugs and kisses, the lady is well out of her depth and comfort zone.
The reality is that, apart from the Waitangi Tribunal for land issues, all entities aimed specifically at Maori should go. That includes the Maori Seats, all departments within government and councils, and the Labour Maori Caucus, who have shown themselves to be completely inept and therefore ineffectual. The constant kowtowing to a particular race based on their past is neither serving them or the country in a meaningful way.
Once Maoridom accepts that we are all better off living as one people then the country can move forward working for the benefit of all. That means with the ‘posidivity’ Jacinda is so keen to talk about.