Watching the Kings tangi, was for me, a sight to behold. Those mobilized to travel in great numbers to tautoko the Kaupapa. The amazing orators, the theater, the whakapapa (genealogy) of how we link each to the other, the history, the humour. The words of support from indigenous nations, for Maori to continue to be Maori, while being closely watched by other indigenous nations. That Tuheitias whanau and Tainui allowed cameras to record and share, tena koutou katoa... Watching TPMs youngest MP, share her thoughts of Tuheitia, when she asked him what she can bring to the movement. He told her to just be herself. To see the iwi that I connect to, arrive in six coaches. The thousands who turned up. Then the arrival of the new Kuini, walking in with her whanau and supporters. Described by one reporter, that while there is a figurehead, it is a movement of people. I have great faith in the new leader, as Hana Maipi Clarke said on her elevation to Parliament. The Kohanga generation is here. Its taken a few years. of chipping away, and finally that voice is here. Meanwhile as a lone independent, I took time out to take myself off to the local Council meeting to give my support for the retaining of Maori wards. A new arrival to the little town, knowing very few here, but also knowing that every voice matters. To speak on behalf of all my moko.
While waiting for the meeting proper to start, a large group of young primary aged children stood up, and sang a waiata.
A couple in the front seats stood up, looked around, and waved an open hand of dismissal and disrespect towards the young group, phhttt! and walked out. I thought to myself, yes, and thats the actions of those opposed to change, for equity, for equality and fairness. It strengthened my resolve to be brave and have the courage to voice my opinion. Adding to my korero, of the encouragement from Turangawaewae and the Kings words, of Kotahitanga, Unity.
Tautoko wikitoria 👍🏾💯I personally have been saying this since this coalition got into power & started dumping on Maori & undoing equity policies - "The Kohanga generation is here. Its taken a few years. of chipping away, and finally that voice is here" - Seymour et al have NO IDEA of the fierce warriors who now permeate Aotearoa society because of the grounding of their education. To borrow a slogan from the Democratic Party nominee in the USA - "WE ARE NOT GOING BACK!" "The Kohanga generation" is backed up by their Kaumatua, their parents, their aunts & uncles, their siblings, their friends of all ethnicities, and a younger generation who thinks of it as "normal" 🫶🏽
Your korero about the Council meeting reflects 3 main things a) the current generation thinks Maoritanga is "normal" b) the couple who walked out are becoming outliers c) Kia kaha! Warriors such as yourself are leading the way for the "Kohanga generation" - leaders at every level are what is required, and they don't always have flash titles & media exposure 🫂
Ae, agree, with all you say. The Kohanga Generation is here and more than ready to lead. As you say, they are supported by their whole whanau. True, Maoritanga is normal for the generations coming through.
A while back I listened to Hana in the house, ripping into Winston, and I in all my excitement yelled out, You go girl, give it to him, how dare he disrespect you and try to put you down. Different rules of exchange when youre on a Marae. Her courage in the face of adversity is without fear. (Winston can be very rude and annoyingly irritating, I hope its his last hurrah in Parliament). I was brought up in a time where you did not answer back to your elders, even if you didn't agree with them. Talking about the Democratic party, Ive been tuning in and I love that statement, 'We are not going back.' Time has come for the feminine voice to come through. I actually included those words in the document I wrote to present to Council. Maori are not going back.
Although I did say to the Council that I don't talk for anyone else but me and mine. Just an independent opinion on what I see and hear. I did encourage everyone to have their voice, and how important it is. The voices of Kaumatua, Koroua and Kuia., that of rangatahi. I'm pleased that the Council allowed me to read my piece, as it was all of 30 minutes long. I spoke about equity and equality, and honour of principles. My suggestion to Council. 'It could possibly be that Maori wards are given the words of, Haere atu! Or, is our nation mature enough to know that the time has come to really get over ourselves.
True statement, thank you! Leaders at every level are what is required. Without flash titles and media exposure.
And that Seymour, grrr. Rahui Papa was such a brilliant leader througout the tangi, (As many were) I had to laugh when he in his quiet way, asserted the need to engage manuhiri with respect and aroha. So I sat back and watched Seymour present his speech, and did give him credit for fronting up and paying his condolences on such a momentous occasion.
Out of the solemn occasion, theres a different set of rules of engagement.Watch that space.
Update. Local Council has unanimously voted to retain the Maori wards representation, for the now, while working on looking at ways of challenging Govt. So the seats are safe for the next three voting stages, to 2031. (My understanding)
In regards to my speech, two responses, "What you said, needed to be said.' Thank you.
Me.......Never mind the pussy footing around., pushing the proverbial uphill. Theres work to be done. JMHO.
Wikitoria, never refer to your opinion being humble. It's as valid as anyone else's, particularly in the arena where you spoke it. It's great to know there's people like you prepared to speak up for their communities and culture. All power to you👍😊
Tena koe Jeremy, mo tou whakaaro tautoko. I usually keep myself to myself, as I know I have a habit of pissing people off. Its the mouth! It comes out with stuff, and I go, what did you say that for, as if its an entirely different part of me. Perhaps, reminding myself to have a humble opinion stems from being the youngest of my fathers two families, I'm the 21st child. Definitely not spoilt like some can be, and perhaps due to the fact that I had an opinion that mattered to no one else but myself. 2020, we moved from Auckland to the country, and I reminded myself that I needed to have an attitude adjustment, small towns are different from City life. Unfortunately it didn't last long. I was barred from attending a homeless hui. Okay, I get the picture. Tena ano koe Jeremy.
Tena koe e hoa, Wikitoria. I imagine you had to shout very loud to be heard in your daily family life! 21 tamariki is quite a feat. Like you, my mouth has got me into trouble. A lot. I know we're supposed to think before we speak but sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. I enjoy the Korero you share with us all so please keep it up, humble or not.
Tena koe Jeremy, ae, truly had to shout to be heard! lol. Thank you for your tautoko. I did tell myself quietly, to taihoa on the contributions. Typical me, always got an opinion or two. Ae ra, noho ora mai
🫶🏽Love your speech & I hope you are right about the outcome. As a relative latecomer to my whakapapa, I have been frequently frustrated with "leaders" who are fierce & opinionated about right and wrong in our closed marae meetings & private conversations, sitting quietly & not taking a visiting Minister or other official to task in a hui, although I KNOW the Kaumatua were brought up to "respect" authority - in my mind you can BE respectful while still saying what needs to be said. Out of the solemn occasion of a tangihanga, I notice younger leaders representing their whanui more, and "respecting" disrespectful authority figures less - warms my heart. "never mind pussy footing around" indeed 👏🏾
Ae Cindy, while on the Marae, I'm looking to know where to fit in. Always followed behind others rather than be the leader. When an Ope goes on to the Marae, I always tuck myself into the back. Sit at the back, with a low profile. I went to a tangi a few years ago, and wanting to follow protocols to approach the wharenui to pay respects. I saw a small group heading onto the path, and I quickly walked over and tucked myself at the back of the group. Happy turned to, Oh shit! When a male in the front stopped and said to me in a loud voice, Oi! Get over here! Thats when I realised that there was no wahine in front to do the Karanga. I had no choice, and chastened took that role, as Kai Karanga. Perhaps it goes back to a time as children where our elders said the world had changed and we needed to change with it. A generation where te reo was not part of our upbringing. Where as children, we were ashamed of our language being spoken in a public setting outside of the Marae. Ive often wondered in my older age, where on earth did that thinking come from? Tena koe Cindy.
Excellent korero re the Maori Queen - she is the face of the inspirational change that we want to see in Aotearoa New Zealand. She will lead and unite. If you are expecting Luxon to lead and unite - he won’t! Luxon and Seymour are both Atlas Network aligned as are many ministers across National and ACT. So it’s not the tail (ACT) wagging the dog (National) it’s the tail and the dog wagging together. The only out is to throw National
Totally agree Paul. Its a quiet and powerful change showing all the grace and patience of Maoridom....as has been displayed for over a century...in the face of colonial agendas and theft.....which this government embodies and acts out....could be a pun...but its a wider act ain't it....exciting times ahead....we are blessed. Lookout government.
"It’s time to stop telling us who you are and instead listen to who we are. Listen. This country cries out for you to stop."
Well put Nick. Sadly I have seen no sign Luxon is capable of introspection or self-awareness.
We can cry out as much as we like but he is who he is, a shallow, empty vessel.
He has sold his soul and we pay the price. The worst thing in terms of leadership of our country currently is that it is not external forces and actors attacking us (except for Atlas Network), but those with the responsibility of building us up and leading us forward are the very ones attacking sectors of our society and tearing things down.
It's hard to believe what we've come to in such a short time. We have to do whatever we can to make sure this is a one term government.
The new Kuini is 27, and a fluent te reo speaker. The Maori median age is 27, while the New Zealand median age is 39. A third of youngest New Zealand is Maori. Aotearoa's future is young and brown and multi-lingual. The Coalition's retrogressive policies are just a fearful blip.
It’s watching events like yesterday that give me hope for the future. That fill me with joy. That no matter what those who hate seeing unity, who hate seeing the love that is shared . This is the New Zealand I know will thrive in the future, this new generation which will throw off the shackles of colonialism and taking the knee to a country on the other side of the world.
As a Scot I have been through that struggle, of your culture trying to be erased but no matter how hard they try it cannot be stopped. I’ve always felt an affinity with Māori and it gladdens my heart to see it blossom and thrive through adversity.
Kia Kaha Aotearoa, you will flourish in the death knell of old New Zealand.
You echo my thoughts so well here David, years ago my brother studied the Celts as part of a Uni course and he told me how he was astonished at the many similarities between Māori and Celtic culture e.g. respect for the elders, respect for Nature and worshipped Nature deities. And yes the struggles that cut deep, that you can see playing out here and now ... as our clan motto says "MacGregor Despite Them shall Flourish Forever" ... I so hope Māori can rise and flourish as well under their new Queen. I think the above is why I feel on a visceral level such horror and disgust at this government.
Powerful messages, Nick. A leader who will unite us is crowned while our so-called leader is nowhere to be seen is letting us down yet again. K-pop? FFS is that all he’s got? It made me cringe and then it struck me. Luxon is a child. He does what he’s told, reads by rote, lacks emotional depth. What a sad contrast to the beautiful wahine who is now coming into her full power. Like you, Nick, she gives me hope.
Watching yesterday was uplifting and moving. The young Kuini was graceful and dignified, she certainly gives this old white guy hope for the future. May the youngsters own this world, I'm very sorry we've left it such a disgraceful state for them
As for luxon, he may have been a manager of very dubious quality. But a leader he'll never be, it's beyond his intellect
Me too. Wasn't it just wonderful and isn't it wonderful that we are able to identify with it all as opposed to the pomp and bewildering ceremony of the crowning of the British monarch.
The other wonderful thing is the ability of Maori to organize on mass within a very short space of time and do it extraordinarily well.
Our young Kuini is the future and our younger generation no matter white or brown will identify with her and will be accepting and not be at all threatened.
Well said Nick. Couldn’t help thinking while watching the amazing events of yesterday that it is time for a sea change in Aotearoa. The unity, the organisation and the mahi needed to undertake such a massively important tangi for the King and the subsequent passing on of leadership to an intelligent,dignified young woman with huge mana is a signal to us all. No tik toks needed no endless photo ops and no garbled answers to questions are in direct contrast as leadership traits. Perhaps the time has come for Māori to take over kawanaship and to then decide if we Tiriti partners should be offered co-governance, places on Councils and positions in governmental agencies. The events of the last week in terms of unity stand in stark contrast to what our much loved Aotearoa currently experiences due in no small part to the influence of foreign players who have no regard for our country. As a footnote if my proposal above seems undemocratic I would suggest a Govt elected off the back of huge donations for which donors expect pay back is even more undemocratic and certainly not in the interests of the majority.
I was filled with optimism watching it all yesterday, Kuini is of the kōhanga generation who bring such confidence and awareness to our world. Luxon is like a love child of David Brent (well spotted likeness Nick) and Donald Trump, and cringe is not a strong enough word when he is involved. Wonder if Nicola will tell him that he’s been rolled by text - while he’s overseas…
Excellent writing Nick, you contrast so well the "sublime to the ridiculous" ... yesterday brought home all that represents the heart and soul of Aotearoa and starkly emphasises yet again he who doesn't - he who should have been there as a sign of respect from the government but perhaps it's as well that he wasn't because everyone there would know he isn't capable of genuine respect and worse is allowing so much damage to Māori through his weak and cowardly leadership of his radical minority partners. Watching the whole broadcast yesterday I was saddened by the state of the Waikato, remembering how it used to be in the 50s and 60s when I was a kid growing up in Mangakino and Atiamuri (my Dad was one of the hydro dam builders) ... we kids virtually lived in the river during the long hot summers, the river which used to be as green as pounamu, so clear and beautiful .... it felt like a metaphor for these tainted times we are currently enduring.
Good point, Rosemary. There must be a cost but there aren't many jobs for reporters these days and she has a family to provide for. The likes of Reti and Potaka are another matter. I don't know how they can sleep at night. Jones and the rest are lost causes.
It was a very uplifting day . I chose not to check out any sites that might have negative racist comments so as not to spoil the the beautiful occasion. I spent the day watching the TV coverage (all 3 channels carried exactly the same coverage) and after initially thinking how rude of the PM to have not been there, as the day went on I was relieved that he wasn’t attending so the media weren’t distracted into focusing on him.
I too felt tears. The sight of all those people gathered together was moving. I was awed at the the composer of the Queen. Thank goodness one part of our population knows how to offer hospitality to all. Was a bit saddened later when BBC World called on Australia to explain what was happening in Aotearoa.
What a memorable day. We don't know how lucky we are to have an indigenous culture all of our own that is inclusive and runs on principles of love and unity - well those of us who appreciate this luck unique to Aotearoa. Sad though that so many get triggered by something seemingly outside their self interest or the ability for any intelligent interest in or the reading of our history. Over the last few days Whakaata Maori TV has been running some fantastic documentaries on the Waikato invasion.
If only the full of hate types you mention on X NIck, were able to sit down and watch some of these programmes highlighting just what happened in this countries formative years, they may begin to understand. I fear however they have stone cold hearts incapable of feeling and emotion and an inability to have any compassion for a people so full of Aroha despite the horrors they were dealt.
Yesterday I felt enormous pride in our country and I wish our new Kuini Nga Wai Hono i Te Po the very best possible for her future. A future I believe will be one where Te Ao Maori becomes established as the rightful fundament to all our futures as a progressive nation.
And the King of K-Pop continues to be everything that Jacinda was not. Which one of them continually receives world wide acclaim and which one is just a plain embarrassment....Hmmmnnnn give me a nano second.
As for Luxon in South Korea spouting cringey nonsense, remember when we had a young PM who commanded respect on the international stage and has gone on to do good in the world?
I cringed when I heard him confidently say that our produce is better than Aussies, I thought, OMG, I wonder what the Aussies are going to say about that statement. Perhaps he may be right? But heck, talk about 'rock' the boat without diplomacy.
🫶🏽Very well written as usual & conveyed beautifully what I saw & felt. I watched the whole day (& parts of previous days as time allowed) and had nothing but admiration & respect for the way a whanui in the midst of grief, brought this all so beautifully & poignantly together. I watched on the Te Reo channel, so there was plenty of te reo from the commentators, who knew when to speak & when to observe because they understood the tikanga of the occasion. My Iwi is not part of the Kingitanga, but that does not take anything away from this movement which was formed to resist oppression & grew to have an influence beyond it's original borders in fighting for equity & unity for ALL people in Aotearoa. The new Kuini (much nicer than "Queenie" eh?) has had an impressive life so far to prepare her for her new role - so sad that her father died so young to make it needed NOW, but I too hope that this extraordinary week might make a positive difference in the way forward in Aotearoa despite this terrible coalition trying to drag us backwards.
As for "Luxflakes" - excuse my astonishment but WTF? We know South Korea because of K-pop & TV shows 🤔⁉️⁉️⁉️ Didn't we send soldiers to a war somewhere near there? Didn't we just (as you pointed out) send a text to cancel a major contract with a South Korean company? Aren't they one of our major trading partners? (& I'm someone who was too early for K-pop & has NEVER watched a Sth Korean TV show) Frankly I'm with others and relieved he was out of the country so he didn't feel "obliged" to turn up and spoil the tangihanga with his embarrassing lack of mana, despite being our (nominal) PM 🤷🏾♀️ Is there hope Luxflakes will "listen to the people"?? Well, David Lange (I know I know - no comparison) listened to the people after Roger Douglas et al had introduced shock-&-awe tactics to our economy and the damage was starting to manifest, and he called for a "cup of tea" to halt further damage - leaders CAN stand up against powerful forces in their own govt, but not holding my breath. Lux-flakes are well known for dissolving without a trace ... 🤔
Love that last sentence Cindy! 😂😂. The rest of your comment is beautifully written. I hope what the CoC has seen over this last week gives them a big shake up and cause to wonder if "getting back on track" their way is going to derail, soon. We can only hope so. My iwi, ( if I'm allowed to say that?) is Pakeha Aussie but I felt proud, as a Kiwi citizen as well, to witness such aroha, support and compassion among my de facto family. This is the country I came to many years ago and the country I call home. The events of this week reassure me I made the right choice. Thanks for having me.
Watching the Kings tangi, was for me, a sight to behold. Those mobilized to travel in great numbers to tautoko the Kaupapa. The amazing orators, the theater, the whakapapa (genealogy) of how we link each to the other, the history, the humour. The words of support from indigenous nations, for Maori to continue to be Maori, while being closely watched by other indigenous nations. That Tuheitias whanau and Tainui allowed cameras to record and share, tena koutou katoa... Watching TPMs youngest MP, share her thoughts of Tuheitia, when she asked him what she can bring to the movement. He told her to just be herself. To see the iwi that I connect to, arrive in six coaches. The thousands who turned up. Then the arrival of the new Kuini, walking in with her whanau and supporters. Described by one reporter, that while there is a figurehead, it is a movement of people. I have great faith in the new leader, as Hana Maipi Clarke said on her elevation to Parliament. The Kohanga generation is here. Its taken a few years. of chipping away, and finally that voice is here. Meanwhile as a lone independent, I took time out to take myself off to the local Council meeting to give my support for the retaining of Maori wards. A new arrival to the little town, knowing very few here, but also knowing that every voice matters. To speak on behalf of all my moko.
While waiting for the meeting proper to start, a large group of young primary aged children stood up, and sang a waiata.
A couple in the front seats stood up, looked around, and waved an open hand of dismissal and disrespect towards the young group, phhttt! and walked out. I thought to myself, yes, and thats the actions of those opposed to change, for equity, for equality and fairness. It strengthened my resolve to be brave and have the courage to voice my opinion. Adding to my korero, of the encouragement from Turangawaewae and the Kings words, of Kotahitanga, Unity.
Tautoko wikitoria 👍🏾💯I personally have been saying this since this coalition got into power & started dumping on Maori & undoing equity policies - "The Kohanga generation is here. Its taken a few years. of chipping away, and finally that voice is here" - Seymour et al have NO IDEA of the fierce warriors who now permeate Aotearoa society because of the grounding of their education. To borrow a slogan from the Democratic Party nominee in the USA - "WE ARE NOT GOING BACK!" "The Kohanga generation" is backed up by their Kaumatua, their parents, their aunts & uncles, their siblings, their friends of all ethnicities, and a younger generation who thinks of it as "normal" 🫶🏽
Your korero about the Council meeting reflects 3 main things a) the current generation thinks Maoritanga is "normal" b) the couple who walked out are becoming outliers c) Kia kaha! Warriors such as yourself are leading the way for the "Kohanga generation" - leaders at every level are what is required, and they don't always have flash titles & media exposure 🫂
Tena koe mo tou korero tautoko. Tino ataahua.
Ae, agree, with all you say. The Kohanga Generation is here and more than ready to lead. As you say, they are supported by their whole whanau. True, Maoritanga is normal for the generations coming through.
A while back I listened to Hana in the house, ripping into Winston, and I in all my excitement yelled out, You go girl, give it to him, how dare he disrespect you and try to put you down. Different rules of exchange when youre on a Marae. Her courage in the face of adversity is without fear. (Winston can be very rude and annoyingly irritating, I hope its his last hurrah in Parliament). I was brought up in a time where you did not answer back to your elders, even if you didn't agree with them. Talking about the Democratic party, Ive been tuning in and I love that statement, 'We are not going back.' Time has come for the feminine voice to come through. I actually included those words in the document I wrote to present to Council. Maori are not going back.
Although I did say to the Council that I don't talk for anyone else but me and mine. Just an independent opinion on what I see and hear. I did encourage everyone to have their voice, and how important it is. The voices of Kaumatua, Koroua and Kuia., that of rangatahi. I'm pleased that the Council allowed me to read my piece, as it was all of 30 minutes long. I spoke about equity and equality, and honour of principles. My suggestion to Council. 'It could possibly be that Maori wards are given the words of, Haere atu! Or, is our nation mature enough to know that the time has come to really get over ourselves.
True statement, thank you! Leaders at every level are what is required. Without flash titles and media exposure.
And that Seymour, grrr. Rahui Papa was such a brilliant leader througout the tangi, (As many were) I had to laugh when he in his quiet way, asserted the need to engage manuhiri with respect and aroha. So I sat back and watched Seymour present his speech, and did give him credit for fronting up and paying his condolences on such a momentous occasion.
Out of the solemn occasion, theres a different set of rules of engagement.Watch that space.
Update. Local Council has unanimously voted to retain the Maori wards representation, for the now, while working on looking at ways of challenging Govt. So the seats are safe for the next three voting stages, to 2031. (My understanding)
In regards to my speech, two responses, "What you said, needed to be said.' Thank you.
Me.......Never mind the pussy footing around., pushing the proverbial uphill. Theres work to be done. JMHO.
Wikitoria, never refer to your opinion being humble. It's as valid as anyone else's, particularly in the arena where you spoke it. It's great to know there's people like you prepared to speak up for their communities and culture. All power to you👍😊
Tena koe Jeremy, mo tou whakaaro tautoko. I usually keep myself to myself, as I know I have a habit of pissing people off. Its the mouth! It comes out with stuff, and I go, what did you say that for, as if its an entirely different part of me. Perhaps, reminding myself to have a humble opinion stems from being the youngest of my fathers two families, I'm the 21st child. Definitely not spoilt like some can be, and perhaps due to the fact that I had an opinion that mattered to no one else but myself. 2020, we moved from Auckland to the country, and I reminded myself that I needed to have an attitude adjustment, small towns are different from City life. Unfortunately it didn't last long. I was barred from attending a homeless hui. Okay, I get the picture. Tena ano koe Jeremy.
Tena koe e hoa, Wikitoria. I imagine you had to shout very loud to be heard in your daily family life! 21 tamariki is quite a feat. Like you, my mouth has got me into trouble. A lot. I know we're supposed to think before we speak but sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. I enjoy the Korero you share with us all so please keep it up, humble or not.
Noho Ora Mai.
Tena koe Jeremy, ae, truly had to shout to be heard! lol. Thank you for your tautoko. I did tell myself quietly, to taihoa on the contributions. Typical me, always got an opinion or two. Ae ra, noho ora mai
🫶🏽Love your speech & I hope you are right about the outcome. As a relative latecomer to my whakapapa, I have been frequently frustrated with "leaders" who are fierce & opinionated about right and wrong in our closed marae meetings & private conversations, sitting quietly & not taking a visiting Minister or other official to task in a hui, although I KNOW the Kaumatua were brought up to "respect" authority - in my mind you can BE respectful while still saying what needs to be said. Out of the solemn occasion of a tangihanga, I notice younger leaders representing their whanui more, and "respecting" disrespectful authority figures less - warms my heart. "never mind pussy footing around" indeed 👏🏾
Ae Cindy, while on the Marae, I'm looking to know where to fit in. Always followed behind others rather than be the leader. When an Ope goes on to the Marae, I always tuck myself into the back. Sit at the back, with a low profile. I went to a tangi a few years ago, and wanting to follow protocols to approach the wharenui to pay respects. I saw a small group heading onto the path, and I quickly walked over and tucked myself at the back of the group. Happy turned to, Oh shit! When a male in the front stopped and said to me in a loud voice, Oi! Get over here! Thats when I realised that there was no wahine in front to do the Karanga. I had no choice, and chastened took that role, as Kai Karanga. Perhaps it goes back to a time as children where our elders said the world had changed and we needed to change with it. A generation where te reo was not part of our upbringing. Where as children, we were ashamed of our language being spoken in a public setting outside of the Marae. Ive often wondered in my older age, where on earth did that thinking come from? Tena koe Cindy.
Very well said Wikitoria! I applaud you! Kia kaha!
Tena koe Judith.
Excellent korero re the Maori Queen - she is the face of the inspirational change that we want to see in Aotearoa New Zealand. She will lead and unite. If you are expecting Luxon to lead and unite - he won’t! Luxon and Seymour are both Atlas Network aligned as are many ministers across National and ACT. So it’s not the tail (ACT) wagging the dog (National) it’s the tail and the dog wagging together. The only out is to throw National
and ACT out of Govt plus NZ First in 2026!
Totally agree Paul. Its a quiet and powerful change showing all the grace and patience of Maoridom....as has been displayed for over a century...in the face of colonial agendas and theft.....which this government embodies and acts out....could be a pun...but its a wider act ain't it....exciting times ahead....we are blessed. Lookout government.
"It’s time to stop telling us who you are and instead listen to who we are. Listen. This country cries out for you to stop."
Well put Nick. Sadly I have seen no sign Luxon is capable of introspection or self-awareness.
We can cry out as much as we like but he is who he is, a shallow, empty vessel.
He has sold his soul and we pay the price. The worst thing in terms of leadership of our country currently is that it is not external forces and actors attacking us (except for Atlas Network), but those with the responsibility of building us up and leading us forward are the very ones attacking sectors of our society and tearing things down.
It's hard to believe what we've come to in such a short time. We have to do whatever we can to make sure this is a one term government.
Tinne to oust him Gavin!! And his cohorts..
We shouldn't have to do too much Gavin, they're doing it pretty well without any help. Let's just cheer them on! 😁
Yes indeed it is Gavin!!
The new Kuini is 27, and a fluent te reo speaker. The Maori median age is 27, while the New Zealand median age is 39. A third of youngest New Zealand is Maori. Aotearoa's future is young and brown and multi-lingual. The Coalition's retrogressive policies are just a fearful blip.
Hope so!
It’s watching events like yesterday that give me hope for the future. That fill me with joy. That no matter what those who hate seeing unity, who hate seeing the love that is shared . This is the New Zealand I know will thrive in the future, this new generation which will throw off the shackles of colonialism and taking the knee to a country on the other side of the world.
As a Scot I have been through that struggle, of your culture trying to be erased but no matter how hard they try it cannot be stopped. I’ve always felt an affinity with Māori and it gladdens my heart to see it blossom and thrive through adversity.
Kia Kaha Aotearoa, you will flourish in the death knell of old New Zealand.
You echo my thoughts so well here David, years ago my brother studied the Celts as part of a Uni course and he told me how he was astonished at the many similarities between Māori and Celtic culture e.g. respect for the elders, respect for Nature and worshipped Nature deities. And yes the struggles that cut deep, that you can see playing out here and now ... as our clan motto says "MacGregor Despite Them shall Flourish Forever" ... I so hope Māori can rise and flourish as well under their new Queen. I think the above is why I feel on a visceral level such horror and disgust at this government.
Very well said Vicky,!!
Powerful messages, Nick. A leader who will unite us is crowned while our so-called leader is nowhere to be seen is letting us down yet again. K-pop? FFS is that all he’s got? It made me cringe and then it struck me. Luxon is a child. He does what he’s told, reads by rote, lacks emotional depth. What a sad contrast to the beautiful wahine who is now coming into her full power. Like you, Nick, she gives me hope.
Watching yesterday was uplifting and moving. The young Kuini was graceful and dignified, she certainly gives this old white guy hope for the future. May the youngsters own this world, I'm very sorry we've left it such a disgraceful state for them
As for luxon, he may have been a manager of very dubious quality. But a leader he'll never be, it's beyond his intellect
As another old white guy, I couldn't agree with you more. So beautiful, so uplifting.
Me too. Wasn't it just wonderful and isn't it wonderful that we are able to identify with it all as opposed to the pomp and bewildering ceremony of the crowning of the British monarch.
The other wonderful thing is the ability of Maori to organize on mass within a very short space of time and do it extraordinarily well.
Our young Kuini is the future and our younger generation no matter white or brown will identify with her and will be accepting and not be at all threatened.
Well said Nick. Couldn’t help thinking while watching the amazing events of yesterday that it is time for a sea change in Aotearoa. The unity, the organisation and the mahi needed to undertake such a massively important tangi for the King and the subsequent passing on of leadership to an intelligent,dignified young woman with huge mana is a signal to us all. No tik toks needed no endless photo ops and no garbled answers to questions are in direct contrast as leadership traits. Perhaps the time has come for Māori to take over kawanaship and to then decide if we Tiriti partners should be offered co-governance, places on Councils and positions in governmental agencies. The events of the last week in terms of unity stand in stark contrast to what our much loved Aotearoa currently experiences due in no small part to the influence of foreign players who have no regard for our country. As a footnote if my proposal above seems undemocratic I would suggest a Govt elected off the back of huge donations for which donors expect pay back is even more undemocratic and certainly not in the interests of the majority.
Well said!
Brilliant!
I was filled with optimism watching it all yesterday, Kuini is of the kōhanga generation who bring such confidence and awareness to our world. Luxon is like a love child of David Brent (well spotted likeness Nick) and Donald Trump, and cringe is not a strong enough word when he is involved. Wonder if Nicola will tell him that he’s been rolled by text - while he’s overseas…
That's the way I'd love to see him roll😁
Excellent writing Nick, you contrast so well the "sublime to the ridiculous" ... yesterday brought home all that represents the heart and soul of Aotearoa and starkly emphasises yet again he who doesn't - he who should have been there as a sign of respect from the government but perhaps it's as well that he wasn't because everyone there would know he isn't capable of genuine respect and worse is allowing so much damage to Māori through his weak and cowardly leadership of his radical minority partners. Watching the whole broadcast yesterday I was saddened by the state of the Waikato, remembering how it used to be in the 50s and 60s when I was a kid growing up in Mangakino and Atiamuri (my Dad was one of the hydro dam builders) ... we kids virtually lived in the river during the long hot summers, the river which used to be as green as pounamu, so clear and beautiful .... it felt like a metaphor for these tainted times we are currently enduring.
I also noted the beauty and fluency of Maiki’s reo and wondered at the cost of keeping this side of herself firmly out of sight on the nightly news
What an amazing morning! I too watched right through
Good point, Rosemary. There must be a cost but there aren't many jobs for reporters these days and she has a family to provide for. The likes of Reti and Potaka are another matter. I don't know how they can sleep at night. Jones and the rest are lost causes.
It was a very uplifting day . I chose not to check out any sites that might have negative racist comments so as not to spoil the the beautiful occasion. I spent the day watching the TV coverage (all 3 channels carried exactly the same coverage) and after initially thinking how rude of the PM to have not been there, as the day went on I was relieved that he wasn’t attending so the media weren’t distracted into focusing on him.
I too felt tears. The sight of all those people gathered together was moving. I was awed at the the composer of the Queen. Thank goodness one part of our population knows how to offer hospitality to all. Was a bit saddened later when BBC World called on Australia to explain what was happening in Aotearoa.
Wish I’d spelled composure correctly, sorry.
What a memorable day. We don't know how lucky we are to have an indigenous culture all of our own that is inclusive and runs on principles of love and unity - well those of us who appreciate this luck unique to Aotearoa. Sad though that so many get triggered by something seemingly outside their self interest or the ability for any intelligent interest in or the reading of our history. Over the last few days Whakaata Maori TV has been running some fantastic documentaries on the Waikato invasion.
If only the full of hate types you mention on X NIck, were able to sit down and watch some of these programmes highlighting just what happened in this countries formative years, they may begin to understand. I fear however they have stone cold hearts incapable of feeling and emotion and an inability to have any compassion for a people so full of Aroha despite the horrors they were dealt.
Yesterday I felt enormous pride in our country and I wish our new Kuini Nga Wai Hono i Te Po the very best possible for her future. A future I believe will be one where Te Ao Maori becomes established as the rightful fundament to all our futures as a progressive nation.
And the King of K-Pop continues to be everything that Jacinda was not. Which one of them continually receives world wide acclaim and which one is just a plain embarrassment....Hmmmnnnn give me a nano second.
ataahua tou korero tika.
As for Luxon in South Korea spouting cringey nonsense, remember when we had a young PM who commanded respect on the international stage and has gone on to do good in the world?
This current iteration is an embarrassment.
I cringed when I heard him confidently say that our produce is better than Aussies, I thought, OMG, I wonder what the Aussies are going to say about that statement. Perhaps he may be right? But heck, talk about 'rock' the boat without diplomacy.
🫶🏽Very well written as usual & conveyed beautifully what I saw & felt. I watched the whole day (& parts of previous days as time allowed) and had nothing but admiration & respect for the way a whanui in the midst of grief, brought this all so beautifully & poignantly together. I watched on the Te Reo channel, so there was plenty of te reo from the commentators, who knew when to speak & when to observe because they understood the tikanga of the occasion. My Iwi is not part of the Kingitanga, but that does not take anything away from this movement which was formed to resist oppression & grew to have an influence beyond it's original borders in fighting for equity & unity for ALL people in Aotearoa. The new Kuini (much nicer than "Queenie" eh?) has had an impressive life so far to prepare her for her new role - so sad that her father died so young to make it needed NOW, but I too hope that this extraordinary week might make a positive difference in the way forward in Aotearoa despite this terrible coalition trying to drag us backwards.
As for "Luxflakes" - excuse my astonishment but WTF? We know South Korea because of K-pop & TV shows 🤔⁉️⁉️⁉️ Didn't we send soldiers to a war somewhere near there? Didn't we just (as you pointed out) send a text to cancel a major contract with a South Korean company? Aren't they one of our major trading partners? (& I'm someone who was too early for K-pop & has NEVER watched a Sth Korean TV show) Frankly I'm with others and relieved he was out of the country so he didn't feel "obliged" to turn up and spoil the tangihanga with his embarrassing lack of mana, despite being our (nominal) PM 🤷🏾♀️ Is there hope Luxflakes will "listen to the people"?? Well, David Lange (I know I know - no comparison) listened to the people after Roger Douglas et al had introduced shock-&-awe tactics to our economy and the damage was starting to manifest, and he called for a "cup of tea" to halt further damage - leaders CAN stand up against powerful forces in their own govt, but not holding my breath. Lux-flakes are well known for dissolving without a trace ... 🤔
Love that last sentence Cindy! 😂😂. The rest of your comment is beautifully written. I hope what the CoC has seen over this last week gives them a big shake up and cause to wonder if "getting back on track" their way is going to derail, soon. We can only hope so. My iwi, ( if I'm allowed to say that?) is Pakeha Aussie but I felt proud, as a Kiwi citizen as well, to witness such aroha, support and compassion among my de facto family. This is the country I came to many years ago and the country I call home. The events of this week reassure me I made the right choice. Thanks for having me.
Oh excellent Cindy!!