"Ko te matauranga te huarahi mo nga whakatupuranga ke te piki ake"

Tu Tangata, Issue 36, 1 June 1987, Page 16

"Ko te matauranga te huarahi mo nga whakatupuranga ke te piki ake"

Na, Bill Tuhiwai Executive Director- Community Projects

A national community organisation has appointed a Maori to its executive staff so that Maori people will take advantage of the community resources the YMCA offers. Bill Tuhiwai, who is from Ngati Porou, is the Executive Director Community Projects.

✓ / yT-o Hikurangi taku maunga, • • Ko Waiapu taku awa, Ko JL jLNgatiporou taku iwi I whanau mai au i Te Aitanga Hauiti, no reira e aku rangatira, Tena koutou, Tena koutou, Tena koutou katoa. “The National Council of YMCA’s has finally recognised the need to address the issues of cultural understanding and awareness within its own organisation. Also, they are very much aware of the progress that is being made within some of the Government departments and the voluntary organisations. My role with the YMCA, is—1. The promotion of bi-culturalism within the YMCA. 2. To place more emphasis on the

Christian principles. 3. Establishment of Y-Care International programme. 4. Link together Maori and Polynesians within & outside YMCA 5. Work in close liaison with Government departments. “Many people I presume, will be asking this question, “Why on earth is that Maori working for a white middle class organisation?” “The prime motivator behind my acceptance was a recognition by the organisation that the need to address cultural issues and concerns was required, and in their inadequacies, they accepted the challenge to employ a Maori to lead them along a pathway of accep-

tance. This in itself is a historic occasion for the National YMCA.

“As the YMCA is regarded by society, by the community as a white middle class organisation whose prime function is health and fitness, part of my role will be to encourage the whole community to take advantage of the facilities that are offered. The community have to realise, that the YMCA is a community organisation serving all the community, irrespective of social, economic and cultural climates.

“There is agreement that, “Education” is indeed the key to the future and it has to be a two way stream if it is to be successful. Both cultures have a lot to offer the other, and to understand and to be aware of the others culture, will enrich the relationship. The different groups including the YMCA need to learn to respect the Wairua-Spirit that surrounds all cultures, and therefore, during discussions on cultural issues, they treat them with sincerity, and honesty, and most of all with seriousness.

“While for the sake of clarity and expendiency we may concentrate on Maori culture, this in no way excludes the many others of Pacific Island, Asian or European ancestry.

“If there is to be any significant impact by what we are all doing, there has to be substantial changes made. To me, until the YMCA embraces a cultural perspective in all that they do, to include things Maori, the impact will be a slow process. However, if we all achieve our objective, then the efforts that we devote towards a more bicultural society, will be history in the making. Once there is equality of opportunities and resources within the movement, I believe that Maori people will agree to become involved.

Therefore, it is my responsibility to make the YMCA recognise this, and either it embraces bi-culturalism, or remains the white middle class organisation that it has been in the past.

How is one Maori, the only Maori at National Executive level to achieve these aspirations?

“The development of a network of advisors and workers is needed, who truly believe that maoridom, and all that it stands for, has a place in society. They are the resource who are able to relate to, and understand the sensitivity that surrounds the issue.

“The challenge to accept the appointment was not without a lot of soul searching, and because I accept that we have to, in some respects, be accountable for our failures in society, in the community, we also have to be the ones

to lift ourselves to greater heights. Also, there is the opportunity to: — 1. Strengthen the Christian principles of the YMCA. 2. Promote maoridom within a white middle class society. 3. Unite in peace, love and harmony. 4. Link all cultures together through employment programmes. ‘Already, there are attitudinal changes within the organisation, cultural issues within the YMCA are now included in training programmes. An aspect that has never ever been discussed by the movement, “Biculturalism”, is now a daily conversational subject. My presence alone encourages discussion, and from the point of the YMCA, this is progress. “My main purpose is to tell the com-

munity, that the YMCA has the amenities, the facilities, and resources which the community have access to. These facilities should not, under any circumstances be regarded as for Pakeha only. We as part of the community, have just as much right to use them.

“If my appointment can be recognised as the link between the community and YMCA facilities, then I invite you to make contact with me. Also, if you see any areas where the YMCA may be able to help you or the community that you live in, I will be happy to hear from you. If I am unaware of what our people are saying, there is no way that I can respond.

“No reira rau rangatira ma, noho ora mai i raro i te maru o to tatou Kaihanga i te Rangi.