Pita Sharples: 'Why do we accept the world's history and not our own?'

Pita Sharples

It is common knowledge that Maori do not enjoy the same socio-economic and educational benefits as non-Maori in this, their country of origin. It strikes me as somewhat amazing that half the country actually believe that Maori are the privileged group within our society. Cries of racial funding, gravy train, special courses, are constant within these walls, and eagerly published by every arm of the media to promote a negative stereotype of Maori.

If Maori are the privileged group, why in my electorate are Maori not living in prime locations like Kohimarama, St Heliers, Mission Bay, or conversely, why are Maori concentrated inland in state housing sectors? Does privilege mean Maori dominate certain illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, glue ear? And that we die 10 years earlier than Pakeha?

Or is our real privilege to be revealed by this country's disgusting incarceration figures? I say disgusting because in 1980, one in 1000 New Zealanders were in jail. In the early 90s, one in 800 were in jail. Today there are 6961 people in jail. One in 570 New Zealanders is in jail. But for Maori, the privileged group, one in 180 persons are in jail; a total of 3481 Maori inmates.

Why are Maori promoted so negatively by politicians, media, and consequently by non-thinking, redneck New Zealanders? How can that be good for our future? Why were Maori used as a political football in the election campaign? Criticism of Maori cultural icons such as powhiri, poroporoaki, te reo, waiata, were all prominent in campaign speeches. In fact, the negative attacks were so common, one might say it is becoming too PC to continue them.

Why is there so much resistance amongst parliamentarians to accept the concept of tangata whenua as significant in our administration and history? We learn about events in world history, of cultural origins, of customs. Where is the recognition of the 1000-year bond between Maori and these islands? Why do we accept the world's history and not our own? The Spanish Inquisition, French Revolution, Battle of Waterloo, Plato, Socrates, Aristotle - we know about these things, these people.

So, what of Toi Kairakau? Of Rauru? My history, my tangata whenuaness, my 1000 missing years? Toi Kairakau crossed the Pacific to New Zealand. At that same time, Eric the Red was expelled from Iceland and voyaged to colonise Greenland. Toi Kairakau is my ancestor; he lives still, in me. His history, his genealogy, is my history, my genealogy, my bonding to these islands.

Toi's son was Rauru; his son was Whatonga. From Whatonga came Tahatiti; then Uenuku. At this time, William of Normandy conquered England and became King William I

From Uenuku came Ruatapu; Rakeiora; Tama ki te Hau. These are my ancestors - tangata whenua. Tama ki te Hau lived at the time of the great military leader Genghis Khan, who established the Mongol Empire, uniting EuroAsia.

My genealogy descends to Tama ki te Ra, Tama ki te Matangi while the Magna Carta is signed on the other side of the world.

I continue to Tama ki Reireia mai Hawaiki, Te Kahuarero, Pito, Rere, Tangi, Maika, Toto, to Tamatea Arikinui who brought the canoe of Takitimu across the Pacific. At this time, history records the crusade of Joan of Arc in France, burnt at the stake. From Tamatea Arikinui, came Rongokako; then Tamatea Pokai Whenua, and his son Kahungunu; the founding ancestor of my tribe.

Then came Kahukuranui, Rakaihikuroa and Taraia. Taraia led the migration south from Wairoa to Napier-Hastings. At this time Columbus stumbled upon America.

From Taraia to Te Rangi Taumaha, to Te Huhuti. Te Huhuti married Te Whatuiapiti, a great war chief, with red hair. These are the eponymous ancestors of the subtribe Te Whatuiapiti.

Then came Te Wawahanga, Rangikawhiua, Te Manawakawa, Te Rangikoianake. At this time, Cromwell overthrows the British monarchy and declares a republic. Te Rangikoianake is the ancestor of the subtribe Ngati

Rangikoianake of Te Hauke. My grandson carries his name and spirit.

His eldest son was Te Kikiri o te Rangi, another famous war chief and another redhead. He led many successful forays to avenge the deaths of his two grandfathers. He is the ancestor of the subtribe Ngai te Kikiri o te Rangi. The genealogy continues. Kanohi Tu Hanga, Te Aroatua, Hori Niania, to Paora Kopukau Niania. He was my grandfather; his name and spirit are carried by my son, in whom I also live. From Paora came my mother, Ruiha, and then me.

This is my history. This is tangata whenua and this is New Zealand's history. This is your history.

The future of New Zealand is deeply intertwined with the future of Maoridom.

In a world increasingly homogenised by global commerce, migration, communications, travel and trade, Maoridom provides an enduring point of difference that other cultures envy; a difference we must preserve. For this nation to thrive economically, culturally and with social justice, Maori must be able to play a full role. Not only as leaders, educators, artists, business chiefs and sporting champions, but as citizens whose rights, culture and fundamental worth are valued and supported.

We must work towards a society embracing Maori culture and the people; where Maori enjoy health and education, whilst also enjoying being Maori; where Te Reo Maori can be heard on the streets and in the shops.

We could begin by stopping using Maori as a political football, by not promoting negative stereotype of Maori. We could begin by recognising Maori knowledge as an appropriate and valid knowledge for New Zealand. That despite 200 years of colonisation, Maori still want to be Maori. I believe that by increased dialogue we can do much to combat the negative stereotypes which serve to lock many Maori into a negative poverty mindset. We can be emancipatory.

There must be no more trashing of Maori people, of Maori rights, of due process in the manner of the foreshore and seabed legislation. The entire country was led to believe that such a law was appropriate and fair. The decision to legislate was made by a few, without consulting the Maori ministers or Maori members. Their opinions were not sought until after decisions were made.

The legislation produced the single greatest act of confiscation against all tribes since the formation of Westminster Government. It was hard to believe that at a time of Treaty settlements, more theft could occur. "Ko te Kawanatanga, te ringa katau - utua raupatu, te ringa maui - tahae takutai moana e." The right hand pays out for past confiscations; the left hand steals more land. Public support for this legislation was sought by promoting the idea that Maori would stop public access to the beaches, or sell the asset offshore.

Maori culture is inclusive and not exclusive. Maori leaders representing more than 100,000 signed a contract in February 1840 to a people numbering only 2000, to allow them access and immigration to our islands.

To add insult to insult, the Government used their Maori MPs to sell this bill to the people. Finally, they disregarded the United Nations' report condemning the legislation as racist.

The hurt to my people was very deep. To be regarded as not worthy of a voice, to be called haters and wreckers, to be held in contempt and ridicule, cut even deeper than the legislation itself.

This absolute disregard for Maori, for our views, our customs and mana, will not be allowed to happen again. This act must be repealed. Primary issues of due process, property rights and customary rights must be preserved. Questions surrounding access and alienation can be handled through other ways.

I wish to acknowledge my co-leader, Tariana Turia. Her courage and integrity in opposing the legislation, standing down from the Government, was an act of heroism. Her stand against the pressure of Maori colleagues and Government leadership inspired us to establish this Maori Party.

I look forward to working positively with everyone in this House. Towards empowering all our communities so they can realise their potential. My hopes are to ensure that being Maori is something to be proud of. That Maori, like all New Zealanders, can enjoy a good measure of health, wealth, can participate as global citizens and yet still live as Maori in these islands.