“If I dream, I dream alone. If we dream as a collective, we can achieve our dream.”
“Having a dream” isn't just about having a good night's sleep, it's also about having a vision, a purpose. Dreams help you set goals and give you a sense of direction; they give you hope.
So when we look around the world today we see that the dream of democracy is under attack. Many nations, not just the United States of America, are fighting for justice within their countries' democracy.
It would seem that most of the issues lay with trusting the elected officials, and hoping they have the best issues of their people at heart.
Within our nation we also have issues with our democracy; it has been a Westminster construct since we became colonised. For many decades there have been questions raised about the role of Maori within this construct, and iterations of legislative change have given Maori a glimmer of hope. However it always comes with a pushback from a select few, who hold fast to the notion that we are all equal here in New Zealand.
The fact is we are not all equal. Within our nation there continue to be inequalities, disparities and institutional racism. In fact, in one meeting last year a local submitter said “the natives are getting too much stuff now”.
Within our region, it's tiresome to state that Maori continue to bear the worst statistics in health, education, justice and employment. The cycles of domestic violence and child abuse are intergenerational and Crown agencies are now acknowledging racism.
I believe many Maori have simply stopped dreaming. But I haven't.
I have a dream that people won't continue to believe Maori get special treatment, that many are just on some gravy train and milk the Pakeha system.
I have a dream that the Pakeha media will consider their role and stop reinforcing negative stereotypes about Maori.
I have a dream that migrants will take the time to understand tikanga Maori and not make comments about Maori karakia, and the lack of respect they believe was shown because the prayer wasn't interpreted into English.
I have a dream that more people will take the time to truly study and discuss Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
I have a dream that more New Zealanders will self-reflect on their role in creating a more equal society, that they will understand that partnerships which promote participation and protection are good for us all.
I have a dream that I won't have to wait for people with anti-Maori views to die before equality is deemed righteous.
I have a dream that my children won't be judged on their whakapapa Maori but will be embraced for all they carry as citizens of New Zealand.
I dream of a New Zealand that truly loves Tangata Whenua.
