Living up to legacy of Ratana

Some 90 years ago, Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana travelled throughout Aotearoa, sharing his gift of healing through prayer.

The people referred to him as the Mangai - the mouthpiece of the Holy Spirit. Literally thousands of followers were attracted to his faith-healing. Before long a village was formed where he lived, in a small settlement near Marton. An office was set up, and in 1928 the Ratana Church was established. A movement was born.

Every year at this time, the followers, nga morehu, return to Ratana to celebrate the birth of the Mangai, culminating in the church service held in the temple at the heart of Ratana Pa on the morning of the 25th.

For the morehu it is a vital period of spiritual replenishment, nurturing friendships, strengthening whanau. It is a time to admire the talents of our rangatahi on the stage or on the sportsfield, and in due course it is also a good opportunity to talk politics. In essence, it's a wonderful celebration of all that I love about whanau.

I am aware that there is frustration by some members at the undue emphasis accorded the political visitors over and above other groups who come to commemorate the impact of Ratana. I share some of that concern. The event should not be interpreted as an opportunity for electioneering - to hear about political manifestos. It should be purely and simply time to look at the legacy of Ratana and any contribution made should be in that spirit.

I have always been of the view that the 25th festivities provide us with an excellent opportunity to measure the progress we have made in honouring the political, spiritual and social impact of TW Ratana and the movement he founded. It is a time to pay homage to the founder, and his vision.

Ratana wanted equality for Maori, he wanted equal access to the rights of citizenship, and he was passionate about the recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi.

In 1924, Ratana took a petition to London, signed by more than 30,000 Maori, calling for the ratification of Te Tiriti of Waitangi. It's a pretty amazing period in our history - to think of the mass mobilisation that occurred during a period of depression.

I often wonder how far we have come towards taking up that call in 2012. The constitutional review which the Maori Party negotiated during the last term provides us with an excellent vantage point to debate how we as a nation are implementing the Treaty. What are we doing to consolidate the Treaty as the foundation of our future? How can we ensure the relationship between kawanatanga and rangatiratanga is understood by every New Zealander?

These are the real questions every roopu that visits Ratana Pa needs to consider if we really want to honour the dreams of the Mangai. His message was always about fairness and justice. He called for the return of confiscated lands and the implementation of the Treaty of Waitangi. Throughout it all, Ratana was a staunch advocate of the Bible. He promoted unity, and most of all he expressed the wish of the people for Maori to enjoy the fruits of equality.

I'd love to hear your views on what should be our next steps in realising the vision that has endured for close on a century, in advancing Ratana's legacy.

Write to me at Tariana.Turia@parliament.govt.nz or 0800 4TURIA