contributions to an anthology needed

I encourage contributions to this anthology and i support the kaupapa. 

 

 

Working Title: Challenging Convictions: Survivors of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Writing on Solidarity with Prison Abolition.

Completed submissions due: April 15, 2012.

Like much prison abolition work, the call for this anthology comes from frustration and hope: frustration with organizers against sexual assault and domestic violence who treat the police as a universally available and as a good solution; frustration with prison abolitionists who only use “domestic violence” and “rape” as provocative examples; and, frustration with academic discussions that use only distanced third-person case studies and statistics to talk about sexual violence and the Prison Industrial Complex (PIC). But, this project also shares the hope and worth of working toward building communities without prisons and without sexual violence. Most importantly, it is anchored in the belief that resisting prisons, domestic violence, and sexual assault are inseparable.

Organizers of this anthology want to hear from survivors in conversation with prison abolition struggles. We are interested in receiving submissions from survivors who are/have been imprisoned, and survivors who have not.  Both those survivors who have sought police intervention, as well as those who haven't, are encouraged to submit. We are looking for personal essays and creative non-fiction from fellow survivors who are interested in discussing their unique needs in anti-violence work and prison abolitionism.

Discussions of sexual assault, domestic violence, police violence, prejudice within courts, and imprisonment cannot be separated from experiences of privilege and marginalization. Overwhelmingly people who are perceived to be white, straight, able-bodied, normatively masculine, settlers who are legal residents/citizens, and/or financially stable are not only less likely to experience violence but also less likely to encounter the criminal injustice system than those who are not accorded the privileges associated with these positions. At the same time, sexual assault and domestic violence support centers and shelters are often designed with certain privileges assumed. We are especially interested in contributions that explore how experiences of race, ability, gender, citizenship, sexuality, or class inform your understandings of, or interactions with cops, prisons, and sexual assault/domestic violence support.

Potential topics:

·      What does justice look like to you?

·      Perspectives on police and prisons as a default response to sexual assault

·      What do you want people in the prison abolition movement with no first hand experiences of survivorship to know?

·      How did you overcome depression/feelings of futility when dealing with these systems?

·      Critical reflections on why the legal system has or has not felt like an option for you

·      Perspectives on the cops/PIC participating in rape culture

·      Restorative justice and other methods for responding to sexual violence outside of the PIC? (if you are a settler be conscious of appropriations of indigenous methods)

·      How have you felt about conversations you’ve had about the PIC?

·      How sexual assault inside and outside of the PIC is treated by organizers against sexual assault, domestic violence, and the PIC

·      Police and prison guards as triggers

·      Responding to sexual assault and domestic violence when communities weren’t there for you

·      What the legal system offers survivors and what it doesn’t

·      Rants at manarchists, the writers/directors of televised cop dramas, and communities that let you down

·      Survivor shaming for reporting and for not reporting to police

Please submit first-person accounts, critical reflections, essays, and creative non-fiction to survivorsinsoli@gmail.com by April 15, 2012 with “Submission” as the subject line.

Please:

·      One submission per person;

·      English language (American spelling);

·      Pseudonyms welcomed, as are name changes in the written piece.

If you have access to a computer:

     ·      12 point Times New Roman font; 

·      Submit as an attached document (.doc files preferred).

Passing this on to someone without computer access:

·      We accept scans of hand written letters (please include contact info for the author);

·      Contact us if you require a mailing address.

Early submissions are encouraged. First time authors encouraged.

If you have questions, we welcome emails to survivorsinsoli@gmail.com with “Question” in the subject line. We are looking for both shorter pieces of writing and longer pieces, but if your piece is more than 20 pages consider sending us an email to run the idea by us.

Please attach a short biography that you are comfortable sharing with the editors (200 word max.). This is not about your credentials, but getting to know you and where you are coming from. All information you provide will be kept confidential.

About selection and editing: Submissions will be reviewed by a group of readers who will consider if and how each written piece could contribute to the finished project. Each piece will be read by at least two readers who will contribute to the decision to accept/reject/edit the piece. Some of us working on this project have been made to feel alone as both survivors and abolitionists. Some of us have managed to carve spaces within these communities. Now we are looking to open the conversation and hear from people we’ve never met, who have struggled to practice politics in a rape culture and police state. We believe that the needs of survivors matter in these movements, and we don’t need someone else to speak for us or about us as case studies and numbers. We want to hear from you.

For more information please visit: http://survivorsinsoli.blogspot.com/

Please distribute widely.

the rain came

Golden Bay/Mohua, here at the top of the south is a most amazing area. But today, after the rain there are slips and people who have had water streaming through their houses, there have been evacuations and roads cut. The road to town has a massive hole in it and is impassable and probably will be for a few days.

Stuff

Takaka township recorded 423mm of rain in a 24 hours period, making it "well in excess of a one in 100 year event", Civil Defence said. The previous 24 hour rainfall high was 256mm in August 1990.

Small communities have had their infrastructure lost and the cleanup has not even started yet.  I haven't heard of anyone hurt so that is good. A massive disruption just before the festive season. Yet on the world stage it wouldn't even rate a mention. Interesting to consider the macro and the micro - how a significant event for an individual is just that, same for a community too. When it all goes bad we will have each other, we will have community and connection and we will have to get on with the job, together. So we help pull people out of trouble - thanks mate, and we open our homes to people that need shelter, and we check up on people and make sure they are okay. We open up the marae and we hear about the people that have suffered loss and we prepare to help them. We are community.

We know about weather events related to global warming - they will become more severe, more random and more destructive. At every scale we will be going through more trials and tribulations and there is nothing we can do about that because the cycles and momentum of earthly change on ponderous scales have already started and they won't stop. But we can prepare and a big part of that is building community and connection. No doubt in calamitous times we are forced together but the more we practice, when we can, the better and we can learn from other communities about what works and what doesn't. Ultimately when it all hits the fan we do what we have to do to survive - we are all in this together.

what's the point?

Oh deary dear I don't have any problems with Hone's view of bin Laden, that is his opinion but as I have outlined here, there is a time and place. My question to Hone is, what's the point? What's the point of saying what you did - to show support for bin Laden's family or those that support his philosophy or to be staunch - I can't quite work it out because the days of just saying what you want, when you want, are over - you are leading a new political force that is creating hope for many. You need to suck it up and mull it over before you say whatever you want to say. It is not about bin Laden or whether it was on a te reo maori channel, it is about the bigger picture - it's about Mana!

Footnote - whilst I stick by the post mel on Maui Street has added a comment which really made me think

Mel said... What Hone actually did was a mihi to the dead, which is a Maori custom "...ahakoa ko wai te tangata" despite who the person is. Those are the things you say whenever you hear of someone's passing. That is the tikanga.

If you listen to the video, Scotty Morrison is the one who mentions Osama being a freedom fighter ("engari he tangata tino whaiwhai mo te tino rangatiratanga o tona iwi nera? me ona whakapono") and Hone acknowledges that. But he's not saying 'oh yay he was a choice dude' but points out that he was a human being who had a family/tribe/people that will mourn him...

"no reira, he tikanga kia kaua e takahi i te mate engari me mihi atu ki a ia mo nga mahi e whai nei i a ia i te waiora"

'therefore, the custom is don't trample on the dead, but instead celebrate the good things he did'

Please please watch the article in question and read the subtitles before you go spouting the same tripe as mainstream media.

They have deliberately twisted Hone's reo me ona tikanga into saying something he wasn't.

It is a willful misuse of te reo and a twisting of our tikanga

Thanks Mel you have added good knowledge into the debate. I note also that Hone has apologised - fair enough - i'm sorry too for not getting the full story.

get out of the way

Oh dear - Russel Norman co-leader of the Greens has decided he hasn't had enough media attention recently so he has to have his say about the Mana Party. What an idiot comment from him that he doesn't want to fight the battles of the 1980's and 1990's - hey russel we are still in those battles - just because you have been having a rest doesn't mean everyone else has been. Of course he has been reading the papers and is getting worried about the Green vote - my question is, "Why are the Greens not fulfilling their potential here, why haven't they captured the public imagination as everyone watches the environment struggle - Why? How about looking at Norman and his leadership and the trend towards the middle class vote - the suit vote. Your strategy is wrong norman and the small support you have shows that - stop being an impediment to the green vote and start thinking like a socially aware green.

Stuff

Dr Norman said "there might be a few votes" for the new party, but "maybe not a lot". "I mean, who wants to relive the battles of the 1980s and 1990s? We're in 2011 for God's sake. We need a progressive force that actually deals with where we are now, not tries to refight the 1980s and 1990s.

"I just don't think a lot of people are really hanging out for a Hone Harawira, Sue Bradford, John Minto, Annette Sykes kind of party ... They're looking for something progressive and forward-looking that actually is oriented to the current century rather than the last one."

I rather hang with them that you russel - they have conviction and strength of purpose. You have deliberately put yourself in the key/goff camp of politics norman, well done for you. My advice - if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. If you don't like the will of the people who may vote for Mana, then piss off - we don't need or want you in the way.

Good post and hat tip - The Standard

known by the name

It doesn't really matter what the new name is for Hone's new Left Māori Party. It seems to have leaked via the greens that it is The Mana Party. We will see - I like that name and for me it says it all - no explanation needed. It also provides a relationship to Mana Motuhake and The Mana Māori Movement, and that whakapapa is important. 

Update - well it seems pretty official now - The Mana Party - launch next Saturday.

For the new party the effectiveness of the message is the key - keep it simple, repeat often and keep to the planned pathway. Some things need no comment, others a little and then there are times to really give it heaps and saturate the coverage. The battles are those that align with the kaupapa.

What does the party stand for and believe in? Simple and repeatable phases. Hone is onto it with his latest excellent press releases about petrobras. His quote about the 'warships coming over the horizon' is evocative, simple and repeatable. His outrage that this should be happening on ANZAC day to tangata whenua who have given so much, is genuine and I share it. They have no shame.

The kaupapa that i believe will attract all people is one based upon support for equality, the disadvantaged, kaitiakitanga and tino rangatiratanga. I will say it again - these principles are universal human rights and values that are not attached to any ethnicity. It will soon be time for people to make choices and I believe many people will join the waka.

balance of trust

Smart move from The Greens in accepting to cast Hone Harawira's vote when he is not in the house. He has also transfered his Oral Questions to the Greens and he has done it because, "most of his votes are more aligned with the Green Party." Yes that's right, the maori party used to have his proxy but they asked if he wanted to move them. I wonder why - setting up to challenge him up north i suppose - it won't help them one little bit. Meanwhile The Greens and Hone work closer together and build trust - they will need this time and that trust so that when they control the balance of power in the House, they can deliver to the people.

cornfields vs oilfields - infographic

This infographic, sent in by a reader, is important because there is so much misinformation around alternative fuels. It is good to see a balanced approach which explains the positives and negatives.

With today's ever increasing gas prices, it's a wonder why we don't push harder for alternative sources of fuel. But at the same time, these alternative sources aren't as amazing as you would think. We've highlighted the pros and cons regarding corn ethanol, and presented information about just how effective an energy source it really is.

Via: Online Schools

There is no perfect pathway to the future and having information to determine the options is so important. Be informed. As oil runs out and our society is forced to change, we must consider the wider ramifications of our incessant consumerism and addiction to oil. We must reduce our demand.

support for our struggle

The Aboriginal News Group is a group I am proud to be a member of. 

The ANG is an international people-powered indigenous-led news guild that exists to provide support and inspiration to independent Aboriginal bloggers, journalists and activists who report on news items of importance and interest to First Nations/Original Peoples.

Both the ANG and its international news-wire the Aboriginal Press News Service (APNS) are cashless, state-less entities that operate without a budget, contributors are not compensated and as a general rule we always use Internet services that provide freely available services to anyone regardless of nationality, race/ethnicity, geographic location or economic capability. We do this to provide an example to First Nations communities and activists without means that it is possible to produce informational media that can educate the international public about their issues and concerns.

Our struggles to achieve tino rangatiratanga are posted on the ANG site for the world to see. Our struggle is the same struggle that many indigenous peoples have - we are not alone - our voices rise up in harmony - our brothers and sisters join our chorus - inclusive and open we welcome all people to support us - we are all on the same waka and we need your voice.

For Immediate Release

ANG Statement of Support For Maori-Led Takutaimoana Hikoi To Parliament In Opposition To the Marine and Coastal Area Bill

At this time, the Aboriginal News Group (ANG) wishes to offer its support to the Maori people of Aotearoa with a statement of Indigenous solidarity and unity with those involved with the 2011 Hikoi (march) on the New Zealand government. We support their right to demand an end to discriminatory legislation and the ongoing colonial subversion of the Maori people and their ancestral territories.

Many of the original people of Aotearoa believe that the proposed 'Marine and Coastal Areas' legislation is unjustly slanted against their community and have chosen to take their grievances to the seat of colonial governance. While this bill ostensibly restores the 'right' under colonialist law for Maori to challenge state ownership of foreshore and seabed regions, it does not extend to the Maori people full, unrestricted ownership of said territories. So in effect, non-Maori interests will still have access to land areas that should rightfully be returned to and maintained by its original owners. A political state of affairs very common, and very detrimental to many Indigenous peoples across the Fourth World.

Before the arrival of Europeans, all of Occupied New Zealand was in the control and stewardship of the Maori and they have never relinquished their claim to Aotearoa. We support their struggle to demand full redress and compensation for their territorial and cultural disenfranchisement and we also commend those non-Maori who realise that by supporting the Maori people they are also standing up for their own best interests and better relations with the Original Peoples of Aotearoa.

We ask that all the peoples of the Fourth World and others of conscience support this peaceful action in defence of Indigenous/First Nations territorial and human rights.

The Takutaimoana Hikoi is due to reach Parliament on March 22nd.

For additional information about this release please contact: Aboriginal News Group (ANG) aboriginalnewsgroup@gmail.com

As we support stuggles overseas, so our struggles are supported from overseas.

community, people and connection during dark days

I am not trying to freak people out but the situation in Japan is turning even worse - if that can be imagined. The chance of a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear complex is increasing. There has been a fourth explosion. Radiation has/is already entering the atmosphere. It may not be the worst scenario come to life - we just don't know - but everything has changed - the world has changed.

What to do - send our love and hearts to the Japanese people and everyone else that will be affected. Make contact with our neighbours, friends and family - keep the communication strong and support each other - we need each other more than ever. Community, people and connection.

Aljazeera Net

5:59am Just before midnight, we reported that the ongoing crisis at Fukushima nuclear plant had been upgraded to a level 6 on the 7-point International Nuclear Events Scale. Andre-Claude Lacoste, president of France's ASN nuclear safety authority said:

We are now in a situation that is different from yesterday's. It is very clear that we are at a level six, which is an intermediate level between what happened at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. We are clearly in a catastrophe

Maori Party panui - keeping our promise

I dislike being negative about the maori party - hell I voted for them and have supported them and specifically Pita and Tariana from nasty attacks - on The Standard for instance.

I have recieved a panui from them about their position on the alternative to the Foreshore and Seabed Act.

In the interests of fairness I'm going to put most of it up, and in the interests of brevity I'm pulling all the bullet points into paragraghs

Keeping our Promise - Marine and Coastal Areas (Takutai Moana) Bill

Tena koe marty, nga mihi nui ki a koe - We made a promise during the 2008 elections to repeal the 2004 Foreshore and Seabed Act and restore access to the courts. When we entered into a relationship with the National Party, our promise became a milestone in that agreement. That milestone has been a key priority of our work in Parliament over the last 18 months. The Bill, which delivers on our promise, is at a crucial stage and the public has been bombarded with negative messaging that has gained traction. marty, we hope you will be able to take the time to read through the points we make below. It is imperative that our constituents get information directly from the Maori Party that is not skewed with misinformation but instead focuses on what the Bill is trying to achieve and what outcomes there will be for tangata whenua and all New Zealanders.

Kia ora.

KEY FACTS

Abolishes Crown title and recognises customary interests (mana tuku iho) of all coastal iwi. Customary interests include a right to protect wahi tapu; and a right to be consulted on conservation and resource management. Allows iwi to claim customary title. Customary title is a property right that includes customary interests plus all minerals except gold, silver, uranium and petroleum; all newly found taonga tuturu, development rights, and a right to develop a plan which regional councils must recognise and provide for. Restores the right of access to court. If negotiations with Ministers do not reach agreement, tangata whenua can take their title claims to court. The Crown has to prove customary rights were extinguished, not iwi.

KEY STATEMENTS

To turn our back on this Bill, would be to break the promise we made to our people in 2005. If the Bill isn't passed, the law that deprived our people of their day in court, of their mana moana will remain in force. Is this what the people want? Is this why we marched? The Bill does not give us everything we wanted, but it is a step forward. If others have a better plan for repealing the FSSB Act, let's see it. The Bill reopens the door that was slammed shut in 2004, and allows tangata whenua to have a longer discussion on customary rights. The Bill does not settle the issues, but it keeps them alive. The Maori Party can advocate for customary rights and tikanga, in the Bill, but only tangata whenua can negotiate and settle matters of mana tuku iho. The decision to support or oppose the Bill is a matter of strategy: do we take a step forward, knowing we still have a long way to go? Or do we retire from the battlefield, and try to rejoin the fray some time in the future? That is the choice facing Maori people, and we will be guided by them.

CHANGES FROM SELECT COMMITTEE

The Attorney General will be recommending the House amends the Bill to require any recognition of customary title through negotiated agreement be given effect through legislation. This means that every such agreement will be subject to full Parliamentary and public scrutiny. This will dispel any concerns about future governments doing shoddy deals.

There are some frequently asked questions and answers like these ones

Can the Government decline customary title over lands that have been confiscated?

If an iwi is declined title, it will not be because their land was confiscated, so no the Government and Court can not decline title solely on the basis of confiscation. Iwi who have had their land confiscated are still eligible to claim customary title.

Why can't we just repeal the Seabed and Foreshore 2004 Act and create a Marine and Coastal Bill to replace the 2004 Act with conditions that are more acceptable to Maori?

Repealing the Act but not replacing it will cause uncertainty and the law cannot allow uncertainty. Therefore Parliament cannot repeal the Act without replacing it with legislation.

Can a moratorium be placed on mining licences that affect the foreshore and seabed?

The Maori Party asked for this but the Government declined it.

I'm not going to fisk this but let it stand as is.

It is interesting to read their framing of the debate - accept what we can and fight for more another day, if you've got any better ideas then lets hear them and so on. Unfortunately my opinion has not changed and I am opposed to this Bill and amongst my reasons for opposing it are the impossible (see good comment from BB in comments) hurdle of actually getting awarded customary title, and the legislation solidifies maori rights as inferior to private owner rights.

The maori party have said they will abide by the wishes of the people "we will be guided by them" (the people) - now the battle for those wishes is engaged in earnest.

Aroha mai for all the crossing out but I decided when I started the blog that I would stand by what I write and not delete.

Te Waikoropupū Springs

I am blessed to live close to a natural wonder that is world renowned - Te Waikoropupū Springs. At the moment over 500 people a day are visiting this cultural and environmental sacred area. Didymo is the biggest environmental risk and the waters cannot be touched but there is also a risk in offering only a part of the cultural interpretation that is also important. With context we create bonds and connections and explanations of cultural aspects have something to hang off.

What are Te Waikoropupū Springs?

Research has shown that a huge system of flooded chambers exists in the buried marble under the valley. Overlying the marble is a thick layer of sandstones which do not permit the passage of water through them, and act as the ‘cap rock' over the waters within the marble. In the Waikoropupu Valley the surface river has eroded down through this cap rock to a point where the Pupu Springsunderground water, at great pressure, has been able to burst through and emerge as springs.

and from wikipedia

The freshwater springs are the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere and second only to the Antarctica’s Weddell Sea in clarity. Every second between 10,000 and 14,000 litres of water are released from the springs, whose depth has never been accurately determined.

The horizontal visibility of the water in the springs has been measured at an average of 63 metres, a world record for fresh water. This value, which was verified using specialist optical instruments, approaches the theoretical maximum for optically pure water.

Te Waikoropupū Springs is wahi tapu - a sacred place.

At the entrance to the walkway to the springs, the Department of Conservation has placed a sign: "Te Waikoropupu Springs are a taonga (treasure) and waahi tapu (a sacred place) for Māori, both locally and nationally. The legends of Te Waikoropupu are told in the stories of Huriawa, its taniwha (guardian spirit). In Māori tradition the Springs are wairou, the purest form of water which is the wairua (spiritual) and the physical source of life. The Springs provide water for healing, and in the past were a place of ceremonial blessings at times of birth and death and the leaving and returning of travellers."

This is the only current signage and intrepretation given on site to the visitors and this annoyed me because the DOC person has to go around to say to many visitors that they should not eat or drink near the waters and picnics are a no no too. There are no signs telling people about this and this is adding to poor perceptions. Imagine you are from overseas in a beautiful area next to a river of unbelievable clarity and power - the perfect place to have a picnic. Maori concepts of tapu are associated with eating and drinking because those activities are used often to break or release tapu. It doesn't seem good enough to try to respect maori concepts but only provide a fraction of the context needed to make the concepts understood. If someone tells you that you are doing something wrong - you feel bad and sometimes this feeling and externalise into negative feelings about a group. "Sorry but we ask that you don't have a picnic here because maori believe it is sacred and eating and drinking is not allowed." simply encourages people to have negative feelings about maori. Much better to put a fence at the top rather than an ambulance at the bottom. Much better to have a sign that explains the context of tapu.

Taniwha Scales

I did a bit of research and the management plan offers hope.

Vision - Moemoeä

The management of Te Waikoropupū Springs reflects the wähi tapu/sacred nature of this important taonga tuku iho/treasured resource.

The kaitiakitanga/guardianship role of Manawhenua ki Mohua is accepted and respected by all.

Te Waikoropupū is maintained in a natural state.

Excellent catchment management ensures that the waters of Te Waikoropupū remain pure and strongly flowing.

The cultural identity of Manawhenua ki Mohua is maintained through protection of the mauri/life force and wairua/spirit of Te Waikoropupū.

The community takes pride in sharing Te Waikoropupū with visitors.

Low profile facilities protect the area and enhance visitor experiences.

The natural, historic and cultural importance of Te Waikoropupü is clearly explained using carefully designed and located interpretation that is readily accessible to the public.

The plan is a 10 year plan that began in 2009 and i am looking forward to the vision being implemented. Already the name has been fixed from pupu or waikoropupu springs to the correct Te Waikoropupū Springs and this is good. But there is much to do and allowing guided walks which offered intrepretations and context is a good place to start. Meanwhile 50,000 to 60,000 visitors each year walk away from Te Waikoropupū Springs missing 75% of the story.

Footnote - I want to thank everyone involved in protecting this area - this post is about improving things and strengthening connections between people.

influencing the spin

Ngai Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon has responded to farrar at kiwiblog via a letter. He outlines where farrar just got things wrong. It is good that Solomon is getting into the blogs and reading up - I am disappointed that he can take the time to reply to the gnats spinmeister (who often has disgusting comments on his posts) but he can't be bothered replying to some of the posts made here which ask some tough questions - like where is the mandate to consider mining on our land - was it debated at Hui a Tau? Kiwiblog is this countries favorite blog - but I think it is poor - well short of The Standard in terms of quality of posts and comments.

It could be that Solomon agrees with everything being said here - I am pretty sure that he knows this blog exists :)

Hat tip - Kiwiblog

learning by listening

I've talked about this concept of strengthening communities by talking about the history and significance of an area by tangata whenua. When this happens we get context and understanding as all people are entwined in the area where they live and each landmark and significant place has a story and a connection to other places in the area, and most importantly - the people.


A great initiative up North, from The Whangarei Leader

Two days of fun and Maori storytelling aims to foster an appreciation for the Raumanga area.

The wananga is aimed at families in the Smeaton Drive, Tauroa St and Fairburn St areas, community development officer Kim Anderson says.

The wananga carries on from a hikoi earlier in the year when the streets were blessed and community spirit was fostered, she says.

"It made them feel more at home. There was a sense of belonging, a sense of doing things for the area," she says.

Adults will be taken on a history lesson with a trip to Ruarangi – the mountain now used as Winstone Aggregate's Otaika Quarry.

They will also visit Kaka Porowini Marae.

For kids, there will be a fun day full of activities including traditional Maori games based at The Pulse.

Awesome initiative. I am very impressed with this because every step in the direction of connection and understanding is a step towards a better future for all of us. Building community and bringing people together, with context for today is the best way to create a sense of belonging. And we all need to feel like we belong - especially tangata whenua. This is also an example of a generousity of spirit, a practical example of manaakitanga (making welcome) and I hope the local community take up the offer. We cannot understand the maori worldview without listening.

the stone releases the image

art for the Goddess's sake

Thanks chonnie - kia kaha

start with yourself

I'm doing a course on saturday called Non-Violent Communication

Why? - I want to be a better communicator

What is this NVC?

"Have you ever wondered if there was a way all people could live in peace? Have you ever longed to reach a point of understanding with someone you care about when you find yourselves divided by disagreements or differences? Maybe you’ve longed to express what you really feel or what is important to you? Or, have you ever wanted to foster agreement with a group of people who was unable to agree with another group—especially when the disagreement became life-threatening?

Simply put, Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a way of relating to ourselves and others, moment to moment, free of past reactions. By learning to identify your needs and express them powerfully, as well as to bring understanding to the needs of others, you can stay connected to what is alive in you and create a life that is more fulfilling."

Does it work?

"Throughout the world, Nonviolent Communication training helps:

•School systems-teachers, parents, students, administrators

•Health Care-with doctors, nurses, patients and managers

•Prisons-with inmates, prison staff, and prison officials

•Workplaces-from the boardroom to the shop floor.

•Law enforcement and the military-exploring restorative justice rather than punitive justice

•Social service agencies-from day care to drug treatment

•Couples, families and communities-life skills for healing and connection

Look around - don't you think we need better more effective and satisfying ways of dealing with conflict - the techniques used in our society today often lead to deeper, more painful conflict. I'm not going to sit around waiting for someone else to fix everything - i am going to do my bit and start with myself.

kaiwhakahaere - the role

The role of kaiwhakahaere has been debated at the table. The subject has also been discussed here with some very interesting comments.

I'd like to talk about the role without getting into personalities.

The role originally was some sort of chairperson but the reality is that the role is a lot more than that. For instance the kaiwhakahaere is the public face of the iwi – they front the media, the hui, the issues, on behalf of the iwi. The role is an iwi role and that is why I think we should consider electing a non-TRONT representative to the role.

The role of the TRONT rep is to represent their runaka at the table and also to collectivelly govern the protect the wider iwi interests. The role of the kaiwhakahaere is to represent the iwi. Currently the 18 Papatipu Runaka Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu representatives elect the kaiwhakahaere from amoungst their number. I am not sure, but i would imagine, that fufilling the role of runaka rep and kaiwhakahaere at the same time, may be too much for one person.

I don't think we would create some type of 'super-leader' who is above the iwi and does what they want – there are too many checks and balances and too many eyes watching for that to happen. What we would create is the description of a role and the personal qualities needed and then we would select the best candidate for that role. And by we I mean all the iwi. If the role is considered an iwi role then the iwi should determine who the successful candidate is. Imagine the candidates, or their proposers, putting forward their case. We would get some fantastic korero and discussion of issues – there would be no secrets or hidden agendas – because the words would be known.

Yes there would be issues – costs for instance, campaigns, lobbying, moneyed influencers, communication and so on but the role was developed to fit a pakeha paradigm and it is only just over 10 years old. It is time to have a good look at it, a least to investigate options.

The role is arguably the most important in the iwi. We have to have the very best person from our iwi to be in that role and i think we need to look wider than our reps.

Comments – I have a problem when others (who are not position holders) are named, especially family members. The only other issue for me is if I think the comment is or could potenially be legally dodgy.

Hindu and Maori - respect and connection - a model and win for us all

Awesome festival. This is the way to do it. Build strong connections between us all by highlighting our similarities and connections.

"Festival enhances Hindu-Maori relations

Press Release: Hindu Council of New Zealand
Deepawali Festival takes Hindu-Maori relations to greater heights

Rotorua Deepawali Festival 2009 turns to be an important milestone for Hindu-Maori relations (whakawhanaungatanga).

A number of Maori cultural traditions such as karakia, powhiri, kapa haka will be performed on Saturday, 7th November 2009 to commemorate Deepawali (Festival of Lights) at Rotorua Energy Events Centre and Apumoana Marae.

Deepawali is a well known Hindu festival celebrated by Indian community all over the world."

Enhances Hindu-Maori relations - doesn't that sound great?

“I have great admiration for the people of India. Learning of Dr Guna Magesan's desire to create a strong relationship between his people and my people I have captured "Rehua" to celebrate our journey of friendship” said Natanahira PONA, Rotorua’s Tohunga Whakairo (Master Carver)."

Intent is so important

"Conceived in the discipline of studying distant Constellations, Rehua proclaims our shared respect for Nature. It encourages the forging of strong entrepreneurial and personal relationships. It manifests the sacred mantra of Om and the miracle of life and death” said John Marsh, JP, MBE a respected Kaumatua in Rotorua.

The past, present and the future are all included in this one sound - "Om". Carving a symbol of Om and Sun in the Rehua means so much to our community. The Sun is described as the soul of the universe, representing the life-force on earth which sustains everything. His is the energy of confidence and power, consistency and inspiration.

Building connection between communities and doing it with mutual respect and understanding. What a fantastic model for all of us. Good work by these groups.

"Last year New Zealand Hindu conference was inaugurated by respected Te Arikinui King Tuheitia, the Maori king. That was a landmark in the history of New Zealand and race relations.

This year, carving of Rehua for our community is another landmark. This is a big leap in Hindu-Maori relations."

As Dr Guna Magesan, the coordinator of Rotorua Deepawali Festival and General Secretary of Hindu Council of New Zealand says,

“The respect and relations that we have built over the years have brought us close to the Maori community”.

We have been organising regular Marae stay for our community people to learn, understand and experience Maori culture and customs."

Kia kaha and thank you.

Don't pretend-consult - you won't get your statue built if you do

Well it looks like the giant maori warrior has hit a bit of a problem. I had hoped that they had consulted maori.

"Tainui are developing their own cultural icon, despite the local community board's recently announced plans to create a sculpture of a giant Maori warrior.



The tribe has commissioned master carver Wikuki Kingi Jr, son of the late Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa chairman Wikuki Kingi, to create a 3 metre by 3 metre sculpture that will feature the moko of the second Maori King, Tawhiao.

Tainui Te Kauhanganui Inc chief executive Hemi Rau said the moko sculpture was not being built to replace the community board's giant warrior sculpture.



He said that "the region's icon should reflect its uniqueness," and he did not believe the planned Maori warrior would best reflect the region.


"Ngaruawahia should reflect its cultural significance rather than something that is considered generic."


"It has to be relevant to the area that it portrays."


The moko sculpture was commissioned as part of the 150-year anniversary of the Kingitanga movement and has been in the pipeline for 18 months."

These are true words. I mean local maori know how they want their culture portrayed - don't they? If the local tangata whenua say that a statue should reflect the regions uniqueness as opposed to being generic - that is fair enough isn't it? Yes it is and this community should have listened to maori.

"Ngaruawahia Community Board chairman Bryce Sherson was surprised to learn of Tainui's plans for a independent sculpture yesterday when speaking to the Waikato Times.



"I find it quite amazing," he said. "(It) seems strange that they would go out on a tangent on their own."

And this is the big problem right here. It wasn't maori that went off on a tangent, bryce - it was you!

"The community board has been developing plans for the Maori warrior sculpture since 2005, when the board held a competition for locals to suggest an `icon' for the town."

How patronising of you - a competition? There are already icons for the town - you just don't know about them because you have your own agenda and you want maori to fit in with you.

"Mr Sherson said the board had invited Tainui's involvement from the beginning, even asking for the tribe to provide a model for their Denis Hall-designed sculpture, which Tainui didn't "because they couldn't find anyone"."

Yeah bloody maoris couldn't find anyone - well guess what bryce - consulting with someone means you listen to what they say and take it into consideration. You don't just ram their square peg into your round hole. And you want maori to fit in with your timeframes? - they might actually have a different timeline than you and if you say you are consulting with them - then take that into consideration.

Reminds me of the saying,""Hey guys lets work as a team and do it my way."

The battle of the statues! It is already over - take the lessons about true consultation rather than lip service from this bryce. Go back to maori with a contrite attitude and listen to what they are saying - they are saying it for a reason.

tipping points for runaway climate change - good link

A fantastic animation describing the current climate change concerns and tipping points. And what to do about them. How long are we going to keep ignoring this? Depends on who is stronger, the people who believe in sustainability and reduced consumption or the greedy fatcats who just care about themselves and are so shortsighted that they will kill us all for some dollars.

It is time for some big changes.

Hat tip - rOb at The Standard

micro-generation of power for communities - the way forward

This is good. We need more micro-generation, more renewable options and more community involvement and ownership and less macro-generation of power.

"The Blueskin Bay community north of Dunedin is well on the way to owning and managing its own renewable source of power generation.

The next 12 months will be crucial for the community's wind-turbine project, as recently confirmed funding from the Hikurangi Foundation means local people have a year to "get moving" on their dream.

The funding means Scott Willis, who co-ordinates the Waitati Energy Project (WEP), can work full-time over the next 12 months on "key ingredients" of a site, legal documents and funding.

Mr Willis said there was no template for community-owned power generation in New Zealand, although it had been achieved overseas.

"We don't have the legislation, policy or cultural habit to follow. But we believe in the idea that if we don't do something, no-one else will," he said.

Well done for leading the way. More and more smaller communities will work towards these objectives of sustainability, renewability and community owned and supported generation thus creating self-sufficiency.