Rewarding at the top starts at the bottom

WHITE FACES: White actors have traditionally dominated the Academy Awards - and this is the second year run no black actors have been nominated.

Our "It's Only Me" columnist, Graeme Burnard has given me plenty of food for thought.

He tackled the subject of the 2016 Oscars, and the lack of nominations for actors of colour -- which has caused sizeable controversy in Hollywood.

He also mentioned Labour's gender quota system, ensuring 50 per cent of MPs are female by 2017.

Graeme argues actors and MPs should be considered for their talent and credentials -- not gender or skin colour.

That's true. But it's undeniable that minorities and women are chronically under represented in many areas.

In the case of the Oscars, no actors of colour have been nominated for the second year running. According to an article in The Economist, this pattern has cropped up several times -- with no black actors nominated between 1975 and 1980, and again between 1995 and 1997.

Throughout the 20th century, 95 per cent of Oscar wins have gone to white actors. Blacks are also under-represented in "Oscar-worthy" parts, getting just 9 per cent of leading roles since 2000.

As for women in leadership: a 2012 report found Kiwi women are not only under represented in Parliament, but make up fewer than 15 per cent of major newspaper editors, and fewer than 10 per cent of Royal Society fellows or company chief executives. According to studies, both genders still subconsciously believe women aren't cut out for leadership.

Interestingly, in 2014, the State Services Commission found Maori public servants are under represented in senior management positions. Maori make up almost 17 per cent of the New Zealand public service, but only 12 per cent hold leadership roles.

The best person for the job should get it, right?

I remember hearing a speech from Dr Selwyn Katene, Assistant Vice Chancellor at Massey Wellington. He ran tours of the university for Year 9 students, and was surprised one particularly multicultural school had brought only Pakeha students.

The teacher explained Maori students were traditionally streamed into lower-performing classes -- so a trip to a university was a waste of time.

If we don't invest in educating young Maori, how can we expect to see higher numbers of Maori senior managers?

If young women are discouraged from scientific careers, are we surprised so few women are Royal Society fellows? Can we expect to see more women in boardrooms if girls with leadership potential are written off as "bossy?"

Can we expect more black actors at the Oscar podium if they're missing out on those memorable roles?

Diversity quotas at the top mean nothing if people aren't considered at the start. If we want success based solely on calibre, not skin tone, then the opportunities for women and minorities need to be available at the bottom of the ladder.

University tours for young Maori, girls' scientific forums, more nuanced roles for black actors -- it has to start somewhere. Otherwise, we'll see the same white, male results.