Rawiri Waititi: Tikanga does not discriminate

Koha is a deeply valued tradition that is entirely noble and selfless, writes Rawiri Waititi. Photo / NZME

OPINION

As to the dismay of the political right, I thought I would take this opportunity to share my thoughts around the concept of koha.

A bit of context. The Human Rights Commissioner, Paul Hunt, gave a koha of $200 when he attended a hui – and rightly so. But, the fact that the hui was hosted by the Mongrel Mob, has got everyone barking up the wrong tree.

A few points to clarify:

Tikanga does not discriminate. It is common practice to give koha when you visit someone, anyone. If you go to someone's home, you take a koha. If you visit a marae, you take a koha. If you visit an organisation, you take a koha.

Tikanga does not discriminate.

Koha extends as far as giving also to anyone in need or giving to someone who has done something for you.

Tikanga does not discriminate.

Koha can be anything from food, to time, to money, to skills, to tools ... the "types" of koha are endless, but it's always the thought that counts.

You see, koha is about reciprocity. It's about respect, unity, aroha, manaakitanga, and generosity. Showing gratitude to whoever is receiving you, whether they wear patches or moko, whether they are homeless or wealthy, whether they are Pākeha or foreign.

Tikanga does not discriminate.

Koha is relational not transactional. It's also not about gangs. It should never have been about gangs. What we have seen in the past few days is poor behaviour from members of Parliament trying to weaponise tikanga Māori when, in its purest form, the gesture of koha is to bring people together. Ka aroha ki a rātau.

Koha is a deeply valued tradition that is entirely noble and selfless, full of aroha and respect that unifies and solidifies relationships.

Perhaps if my fellow colleagues chose to take the time to understand tikanga, understand the true concept of koha instead of belittling the act for individual political gain, they could find themselves in a better position to unify and solidify their own relationships - this advice is my koha to them.

- Rawiri Waititi is the MP for Waiariki