Indigenous rights event for Rotorua

Katerina Pihera-Ridge will be performing at the Human Rights Commission indigenous rights information series evening, and also helped bring the event to Rotorua. PHOTO/ STEPHEN PARKER

Katerina Pihera-Ridge's passion has brought an indigenous rights information series to Rotorua.

The Rotorua woman saw the Human Rights Commission-run events were taking place in Auckland and Wellington and thought Rotorua should be included, so she contacted the organisers.

"I thought it would be of interest to people, not just for particular groups. We all have varying understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and human and indigenous rights and there can be confusion and inconsistencies."

Mrs Pihera-Ridge is doing a Master's degree in international development at Massey University, and has worked on Treaty of Waitangi settlements for Te Arawa hapu, Ngati Whakaue and Ngati Rangiwewehi.

"I hope [the evening] sparks a conversation and lets people participate in that conversation ... Maori and indigenous rights are a passion of mine."

Jessica Ngatai, kaitakawaenga (liaison person/race relations conciliator) at the Human Rights Commission said Mrs Pihera-Ridge had been absolutely fantastic with the help she had given them.

Ms Ngatai said at the event Hemi Pirihi, kaiwhakarite (organiser) at the Commission, would explain the work done at the commission and how it related to the Treaty of Waitangi.

Commission senior legal advisor Michael White and Ms Ngatai will speak on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Also speaking are Janell Dymus and Jason Mareroa, who are involved with Matike Mai Aotearoa, a constitutional transformation working group.

In mid-July and August New Zealand must provide a report on racial discrimination to the United Nations, Ms Ngatai said.

"The evening will also provide information and tools to support groups or individuals to begin preparing their own reports for the government, and have their say on the issue."

Mrs Pihera-Ridge will also perform with her husband, who is Native American, as their musical duo Native Nations.

She said their music represented who they were as indigenous people.

Ms Ngatai said the performance from Native Nations would "add a bit of flavour and diversity to the evening".

The event will be held at Te Ao Marama Hall in Ohinemutu on Tuesdayfrom 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

Tickets are free but attendees need to register at www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/indigenous-rights-in-aotearoa-rotorua-tickets-32076164672.