In Support of Tino Rangatiratanga
(James Barnes (Pākehā) is a Te Tiriti o Waitangi Educator, and was raised speaking Māori)
Most of my writing on this blog has been about poverty, and ending it through socialism by taxing the wealthy elite of our country. I have shared a rationale for this (look back over earlier blogs to see this perspective… and my views on whaikōrero by the way). Here I write about something that coincides with my ideas for the poor, which is where I believe the crisis is, tino rangatiratanga is also of great importance, but much has been expressed on the topic by others more authoritative than myself. I share my view briefly here
Standing for Tino Rangatiratanga
Māori have a unique, indigenous connection to this land. I support Tino Rangatiratanga — self-determination — rooted in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Colonisation has had devastating effects, and supporting steps to reclaim Māori authority, life, and decision-making over all aspects of our country are essential
The Challenge of Capitalism
The aggressive capitalism we live under continues its exclusion of Māori from powerful decision-making against Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
There are two paths: Continue the patient incremental work reclaiming rights and resources, or a democratic revolution. Public opinion is slowly shifting: Māori ward votes passed with just over 50% when tallied nationally which would be unthinkable 20 years ago. Marches like Toitū Te Tiriti gather huge numbers.
King Tāwhiao reminded us we must continue to “squeeze” the system, and that violence is as useful as a dried flax bush — change comes through persistence and strategy.
Kāwanatanga, Tikanga, and Shared Responsibility
A Māori leader spoke of his own governance (kāwanatanga) that would be guided by Māori culture and tikanga. Tikanga Māori, generally speaking, is deeply pro-environment and pro-wellbeing — values that everyone benefits from. As more non-Māori learn about Māori culture, colonisation, and capitalism, we can support peaceful realignment toward harmony — with the land and with each other.
For Non-Māori: Learning and Standing Together
Capitalism is killing the environment, worsening climate change, and making inequality unbearable. Now is the time for non-Māori to draw on histories of collective good, support Māori tino rangatiratanga, and grow together toward wellbeing
Tērā ngā waka o ngā iwi kua hautōia ki tai, kia kotahi e tai mā, ki te rā e ākina ana e te hau!
The many canoes of our people are being dragged to the ocean — all aboard, my friends, as the wind pushes the sail!
Two Voices on Freedom and Peace
Two quotes guide this work:
“People not only have the ability to think for themselves; they have the responsibility to do so.”
— Noam Chomsky
That non-Māori can be independent supporters of tino rangatiratanga while sharing goals of wellbeing and recollecting their histories and traditions that align with the aspiration to tino rangatiratanga
“Māu koa te pāhua i tēnei rā, āpōpō ia māku koe hei pāhua — he pāhua ki te rangimārie.”
— Parihaka
“It was your devastation today; tomorrow you will be devastated — a devastation of peace”
To my knowledge, the overwhelming sentiment in response to crown violence from Māori has been how to live with peace internally and in relation to the world, which we can all learn from.
Pai mārire