New Zealand's history is complex, with colonialism playing a significant role in shaping the country. However, it's essential to recognize that colonialism was not unique to the British Empire. Throughout history, various empires and civilizations have engaged in colonialism, including the French, Islamic, Roman, and others. Even the Māori colonization of the Moriori is a part of New Zealand's history.
# Understanding Indigenous and Native
When discussing New Zealand's history and identity, it's crucial to clarify the terms "indigenous" and "native." In the classical sense, "indigenous" refers to people who have historically been native to a continent or region without any record of migration from elsewhere. The Aboriginal people of Australia are a prime example, with a continuous ancestral history spanning thousands of years.
In contrast, "native" can refer to anyone born in a particular country or region, regardless of their ancestors' origins. In New Zealand's case, everyone born here is a native New Zealander, as their ancestors migrated from other continents at some point in history.
# Breaking Free from the Past
No one today is responsible for what their ancestors did. We can't change the past, but we can learn from it and work towards a better future. Imagine if your great-great-grandfather committed a crime, and today, you're held accountable for his actions. It's unfair to punish you for something you didn't do. This principle applies to ancestral wrongdoings – we're not responsible for what our ancestors did 180 years ago.
As Willie Jackson, Minister for Māori Development, emphasized in parliament, "While we are sorry for what our ancestors did, we are not responsible for what our ancestors did 180 years ago." This perspective highlights the importance of distinguishing between historical accountability and modern-day responsibility.
# The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is about liberating ourselves from past hurts and conflicts. It's a gift to ourselves, allowing us to reclaim peace, rebuild relationships, and move forward. By forgiving our ancestors for their wrongdoings, we're not justifying their actions, but rather choosing to let go of resentment and anger.
# A Brighter Future Together
As New Zealand continues to evolve, let's focus on building a better future for all its citizens. By embracing our diversity and upholding the principles of equality and freedom, we can create a society that is truly unique and prosperous. One nation, one law, equal rights – this is the foundation on which our future success depends.
# A Warning: Preserving Our Gains
It's essential to recognize the progress New Zealand has made over the past 180 years. Our unique culture, built on the principles of equality and freedom, has allowed us to thrive as a nation. However, we must be cautious not to undermine these gains. Giving one cultural identity more rights and privileges under the law than any other native-born New Zealander risks driving us into tribalism and division.
The consequences could be severe, leading to a fragmented nation with deep-seated divisions. A glance at countries like South Africa, where racial and ethnic tensions have hindered progress, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of such an approach.
# Conclusion
New Zealand's story is one of growth, adaptation, and celebration. Let's acknowledge our complex history, learn from it, and work towards a brighter future together. By doing so, we can ensure that our nation remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.
When discussing New Zealand's history and identity, it's crucial to clarify the terms "indigenous" and "native." In the classical sense, "indigenous" refers to people who have historically been native to a continent or region without any record of migration from elsewhere. The Aboriginal people of Australia are a prime example, with a continuous ancestral history spanning thousands of years.
In contrast, "native" can refer to anyone born in a particular country or region, regardless of their ancestors' origins. In New Zealand's case, everyone born here is a native New Zealander, as their ancestors migrated from other continents at some point in history.
# Breaking Free from the Past
No one today is responsible for what their ancestors did. We can't change the past, but we can learn from it and work towards a better future. Imagine if your great-great-grandfather committed a crime, and today, you're held accountable for his actions. It's unfair to punish you for something you didn't do. This principle applies to ancestral wrongdoings – we're not responsible for what our ancestors did 180 years ago.
As Willie Jackson, Minister for Māori Development, emphasized in parliament, "While we are sorry for what our ancestors did, we are not responsible for what our ancestors did 180 years ago." This perspective highlights the importance of distinguishing between historical accountability and modern-day responsibility.
# The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is about liberating ourselves from past hurts and conflicts. It's a gift to ourselves, allowing us to reclaim peace, rebuild relationships, and move forward. By forgiving our ancestors for their wrongdoings, we're not justifying their actions, but rather choosing to let go of resentment and anger.
# A Brighter Future Together
As New Zealand continues to evolve, let's focus on building a better future for all its citizens. By embracing our diversity and upholding the principles of equality and freedom, we can create a society that is truly unique and prosperous. One nation, one law, equal rights – this is the foundation on which our future success depends.
# A Warning: Preserving Our Gains
It's essential to recognize the progress New Zealand has made over the past 180 years. Our unique culture, built on the principles of equality and freedom, has allowed us to thrive as a nation. However, we must be cautious not to undermine these gains. Giving one cultural identity more rights and privileges under the law than any other native-born New Zealander risks driving us into tribalism and division.
The consequences could be severe, leading to a fragmented nation with deep-seated divisions. A glance at countries like South Africa, where racial and ethnic tensions have hindered progress, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of such an approach.
# Conclusion
New Zealand's story is one of growth, adaptation, and celebration. Let's acknowledge our complex history, learn from it, and work towards a brighter future together. By doing so, we can ensure that our nation remains a beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come.
Source: Facebook
6 comments:
While Willie Jackson says "While we are sorry for what our ancestors did, we are not responsible for what our ancestors did 180 years ago." He means it, just not for anyone who isn't his Iwi. Jackson is of course a hypocrite and because of the position he holds is a dangerously anti-democracy (almost treacherous) sort of hypocrite. Remember his Iwi are the ones that 'colonised' the Moriori.
New Zealand's story was one of growth, adaptation, and celebration up until our government went rouge and introduced apartheid legislation into New Zealand with the enacting of the 1975 Treaty of Waitangi Act.
Let's acknowledge that our governments have lied to us about our early history and in fact have rewritten it to suit their narrative for apartheid.
Our apartheid country cannot be beacon of hope and prosperity for generations to come, and that is why there is an exodus of good New Zealanders for greener pastures.
While Willy Jackson's comment was indeed hypocritical because he was only applying it to Iwi, the fact is it applies to everyone whether he likes it or not. He obviously didn't think his comment through before opening his big mouth. However he can't deny it applys to all. He got caught by his own words
Have maori gone round apologising to each other for conquering land and eating ancestors? Have they paid each other reparations? Are they inflation indexed and relativity linked?
If Willie Jxn has only 3% Maori DNA, does that mean that he has to apologize for the remaining 97% for the rest of his life ?
What about his children, and grandchildren?
What a first class hypocrite !
Anon@12.26 - a hypocrite, indeed! But his children will likely be able to forgive and forget with a share of the $multi-million inheritance. Not so sure that'll remain for those grandkids if their parents revert to more traditional practises like living off welfare.
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