‘Justice: Just Us’ to ‘We Are Not Drowning, We Are Fighting’
The landscape of Aotearoa as it stands today, is one that is still inequitable, still racist, still a breach of rights. But that hasn’t changed since my Poppa arrived on these shores. But I’m seriously depressed with the news, it’s getting harder to keep up the fight. The consistent efforts by decision-makers to be ignorant, continuing to vilify my brothers in their homes. The appropriation of Tapa and anything with a frangipani within these same workplaces. There seems to be no justice—just us.
What is justice and legality today, in this quirky murky capital? This is a time of political tension, financial uncertainty whilst hating the labour they require. Only last week, Tiana Epati, the first Pacific President of the NZ Law society, was barred from entering the courtroom by security on the assumption that she wasn’t the lawyer, but the defendant (Plantation Convos). But family has always come first, and always will. But without justice, there is no peace.
We’ve formed our own protections, communities, and voice. We have never neglected our family. An unmoving priority through time, as we’ve navigated Wharf strikes, Dawn Raids, displacement in the diaspora, climate emergency, all the while surviving in Te Ao Pākehā within Aotearoa. Movements such as the Polynesian Panthers and Pacific Climate Warriors highlight the urgent need for change, but also the personal sacrifice, intrinsic motivation, time, and resources needed. Effort and energy of young people, to campaign for other people to care. Carrying the need for all, on our backs to parliamentary steps. This work is not light, it is desperate and urgent. And these efforts come with requirements.
Based on the late Dr. Moana Jackson, Restorative Justice is a template of three parts (and can create the practical changes suggested for your week!)
Share one campaign or need that is necessary, or share information which you know your community would benefit from understanding. This isn’t overplayed. Don’t be afraid, speak up for yourself and those you love.
Sign up for Tupu Toa /Tupu Tai or a social justice movement. Tupu Toa/Tai will introduce you to the machine of government. Its priorities, decision makers, and the flaws in its operations. P.S. if you’re white passing, your job is to make room. After all, one person has never represented the Pacific.
As you stand in your competency to learn and serve, as Pasifika people of university, never forget, Plantations Convo said “higher education is a form of classism and if you’re not careful you end up looking down on the people you swore you were going to help”.
We cannot give our elders the lives they deserved to have lived. We cannot turn back the clock, or sit back, simply wishing for better. But today, there is a cause for celebration, for this land treats me better now than it did my Poppa, because of the work my poppa did for me, what mother dreamed for.
I celebrate their sacrifice, and weep for our future. God has given me the strength to keep going, there will be no more rocks thrown at my aiga. I will use their system to protect my people.
But for the interest of the past. To all the employers who didn’t let the loud brown woman speak—I’ll pray for your souls today.