Guest Editorial
Soraya Peke-Mason reflects on her personal journey as a first-time Maori political candidate
Labour got a thrashing, but the same could be said for others. When voter turnout contributes to mandate then clearly this Government and its coalition does not have it. Just one of many reflections I have on the outcome of the elections.
As a first-time political candidate at this level, I would not have accepted nomination if not for local government experience. Conversely, it is probable I would not have been approached either. Ten years ago, settling at Ratana, there wasn't a political bone in my body and no desire for politics. After immersing myself in our maramatanga and morehutanga (beliefs of Ratana Faith and Movement), it seems this political journey was meant to be. I guess what I'm saying is it's not a choice, it's a responsibility.
Obviously, what underpins who I am are the values and principles of our founder, T W Ratana. Put simply from a Wairua perspective, that means uniting all people as one under Ihoa o Nga Mano (Heavenly Father). From a physical perspective, it means "The Treaty of Waitangi be embodied in the statute book of the dominion of New Zealand" as presented in Ratana's Petition, November 24, 1932. Furthermore, taking care of the "widows and orphans", the poor, a phrase bandied around by other parties. I can see why people don't put their hands up for the job. Getting around the electorate was a huge undertaking. The Maori electorates are a joke when it comes to size, compared to that of general electorates. Fortunately, the generosity and camaraderie of Labour's general seats and their supporters made the journey a little easier.
When reflecting on the political climate over past six years, it can be seen for what it is. In this century, the establishment of minority parties is a right under MMP and not new to T W Ratana: he established Ratana Independent Party. As a prophet and visionary, perhaps he could foresee the past three years, the division, disunity and public scrutiny of each other. In 1936, Ratana forged the Ratana-Labour Alliance.
Decades later, Maori felt used and betrayed by Labour over the foreshore and seabed. With all good intentions, the Maori Party fell out of this and looked promising. But it seems to have succumbed to the power monster of National's politics and capitalism by accepting small gains for Maori while being compromised by other right-wing policies.
The 2011 elections sent some clear messages. Generally, Maori have a poor turnout to vote. However, this election was particularly dismal and sends a clear message to political parties and politicians. Labour got a thrashing indeed. In general, hundreds of thousands across the country did not vote. A substantial number of our rangatahi did not register, let alone vote.
Maori are hurting. Most made it clear they do not support the Maori Party-National Coalition. Some wanted to return to Labour, others to Greens, many choosing not to vote at all.
Maori diversity is changing as we move into the area of corporate warlords due to settlement claims. The gap between rich and poor is not only widening in the mainstream but also among Maori. Some iwi are bypassing the Treaty process and negotiating directly with Government. The Iwi Leadership Forum is observed as receiving more and more attention from Government. This activity was not new to our founder. He spoke about tribal barriers hindering development in the 1920s.
There seems a sense of hopelessness with government legislative changes. For example, changes to the Employment Act affect flax-roots Maori, allowing lockouts at meat works with re-employment at lower rates and benefit cuts; bailout of the financial sector yet nothing for forestry when 70-80 jobs were lost at WPI Sawmill, Ohakune; relocating families without choice from their homes of several generations in the interest of redevelopment and money.
Labour has acknowledged its shortcomings, moving to change its leadership and undertake a review/revitalisation regime. While it is disappointing Nanaia Mahuta did not get the deputy job, it's good to see she is on the front bench. We can celebrate winning back the seat of Te Omeka by Rino Tirikatene, a morehu, Louisa Wall taking her Auckland seat, and Te Tai Hauauru reducing the majority from 8000 in 2008 to 3000 last year.
Labour's Kaunihera Maori has taken this opportunity to review its position and constitution. Work is well under way with executive and members. It is said Labour cannot win the election without the Maori vote. Of course, there are those who may think otherwise.
There is no doubt the next three years will be difficult for Maoridom, particularly for our most disadvantaged. Much is being done in the policy area and kept under the radar where possible or rushed through at last minute. Iwi are ignored when consulted, unless it suits.
The review and revitalisation of Labour, along with new leadership, is an opportunity we all cannot miss. While Labour has learnt its lesson, it is important if we are to remain that we internally play the game and our role.
I guess the visit of political parties to acknowledge the birthday of Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana will give us a gauge on the next 12 months.
More importantly, it is about acknowledging the history and legacy he left and the opening of our temple on the same day all those years ago. He wasn't just about uniting the Maori people; he was about uniting all people, just as depicted on the Manuao, where the history of all waka sit, along with the Endeavour and Heemskirk.
* Soraya Peke-Mason stood for Labour in the Te Tai Hauauru Electorate in last year's general election
The Northern team will face Rangitīkei in Taihape today, Matariki Friday.