Kiwis setting standard for race relations

Chester Borrows

Despite MPs getting into a spat over designer clothing, real estate and - of all things - accusations of racism a few days ago, we head towards Waitangi weekend and people do not seem to be holding their breath the way they have in the past.

There will be a gathering of activists, politicians, security staff, police and armed forces for commemorative and enforcement reasons. Chances are there will be a political stunt, but these forces will not be required. Some would wonder why we bother. But we must.

Having recently visited a few countries where indigenous rights and history are still contentious, I have come to the conclusion that what we have in New Zealand in terms of race relations is the nirvana many people strive for.

Despite the feeling that many in our country long for a return to a time when race issues were not seen and never heard, we have got it good.

I acknowledge that many tangata whenua will be thinking, "That is easy for you to say, Pakeha", but discussions, negotiations, protests, court cases, legislation, settlements, apologies and decisions made over recent decades have taken the heat out of many a debate.

Mayan people in Mexico and various tribes in North America struggle for the simple recognition of their history and experience. They'd like their places names used for important places, and for locals to have a fair crack at true pronunciation.

My wife, Ella, and I had a discussion with a Mayan guide in Mexico about the Aorangi/Mt Cook, Taranaki/Egmont and Wanganui/Whanganui debates occurring here, and the wish for such a process to exist in his country was obvious.

Along with the name changes, there have been better health and educational, employment, and welfare prospects and outcomes for Maori - far better than almost every other colonised country on the globe.

So some may throw an insult, a punch, a T-shirt or some manure - metaphorical or the real deal - but the fact of Waitangi celebrations shows we have grown up a bit in terms of race relations on both sides of the fence.

While there is still some way to go, we have come a long way. Those of us attending events in Patea, Wanganui, Wellington or Waitangi are doing something many others around the world would love to see in their countries.

For me, I am pretty chuffed to live in a country that sets the pace for race relations.