Bridging the gap between races

Press, 3 February 1984, Page 17

Bridging the gap between races

Two “Press” reporters, LOIS TUREI and KARREN BEANLAND, sought the views of members of the local Maori community on the Treaty of Waitangi and the way in which it is celebrated. Those approached gave their personal views on the subject, and emphasised that any differences of opinion should not be construed as evidence of division in the Maori community.

Regardless of “imperfections" and “broken promises” the Treaty of Waitangi represents the first real positive attempt at bridging the gap between Maori and pakeha. At the least, it recognised Maori grievances. This is a view shared by three respected men in the local Maori community, Hori Brennan, Riki Ellison, and Paani Manawatu.

People, Maori and pakeha, have to accept that the treaty has become an important part of New Zealand’s history and thus will always serve as a historic document, says Mr Brennan, who was recently awarded an 0.8. E. for services to the Maori people. “The signing of the treaty is one of the most wonderful things that happened in New Zealand. At least it recognised the Maori way of life, and to a certain degree, that has been protected. “If no treaty was signed, I would not like to have been around to see what would have happened to the Maori people today.” He believes the signing of the treaty did help to bring more understanding between the Maori and pakeha cultures. However, divisions between the two groups,

and between the Maori people themselves, over the treaty, have been reopened in recent years. Although he agrees there is reason for resentment over individual clauses in the treaty, Mr Brenna# cannot advocate the means which some people have adopted to make their grievances heard. One of his main concerns is that some demonstrations, those in the

extreme, have been “completely outside Maori protocol and custom.” He speaks of instances in the past where groups of protesters have gone to Waitangi and “ignored” correct marae procedure of that particular tribe. Such behaviour is a “complete insult” to the Taitokerau (Northland) people, and a “total embarrassment” to the majority of Maori people. “These people should concentrate more on bridging the gap rather than widening it. Such action is disturbing the relationship of the nation.” Mr Brennan feels that a possible lack of “Maori education” could be one of the reasons for the attitude which, he says, some of the younger Maoris have adopted. He does not believe that demonstrations will solve any problems. He is more inclined towards the “traditional” way of handling things. “If the Maori people have any grievances then it should be up to the tribe to make direct contact with the Government. That is the way our elders did it and that is the way I would like to see it done. “The Government, in the last five years, has gone a long way

towards making amends. This country is trying its best to make up for the wrongs that have been done.

“My thoughts about the Treaty of Waitangi have been the same for 30 years. People will think that just because I’ve gained an 0.8. E. I can shout my mouth off. But that is just my personal opinion.”

Mr Ellison has a more lenient attitude towards today’s demonstrators. He condones peaceful protests but believes that extreme action defeats the purpose of Maoritanga. “This younger generation thinks it has a concern to voice and everyone has a right to his own opinion.” He believes that some of the problems among younger people stem from the home and from a lack of knowing exactly where their roots are.

“Young Maoris have become more urbanised and their close affiliation with this situation has meant a different sort of culture than we elders were brought up

in,” Mr Ellison says. “They can see holes in the system and perhaps that is what is motivating them to more extreme action concerning the treaty.”

Mr Ellison has admiration for the treaty as it identifies the Maori people with Europeans. In spite of there being a “hell of a lot of breaches” of it, he feels the treaty as a whole should be preserved and left as a historical manuscript.

Mr Manawatu believes that discussions, at a “rational level,” should be continued with the Government. “Militant” action would be a waste of time and energy. “I can appreciate their (the protesters’) reasons but I firmly believe that that is not the answer. Continued dialogue and peaceful negotiations are the best way to go. “However, we are a democracy, so they have their rights, too.”

Mr Manawatu is also a firm believer in the “spiritual” aspects regarding the treaty as “God in his own time will put into the hands and hearts of people the implements and desire to do the best they can under existing conditions.”