the real threat of co-governance
It’s too threatening for that particular group of Pākehā New Zealanders to entertain the idea of co-governance between the Crown and Tangata Whenua, let alone co-governance at any level, because that would open their eyes (minds and hearts) to the possibility that perhaps co-governance doesn’t exist in any other area of their lives.
Perhaps there is very little/no sharing of power or shared decision-making in;
their homes
at work
in relationships
Perhaps the notions of tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake (self-determination, autonomy and sovereignty) are too upsetting because to see them in practice and to witness advocacy for them would expose the many spaces in our own lives where our ability/capacity to be self-determining are missing - or not upheld, honoured, and given affect to by others.
And that’s scary! What a confronting, isolating realisation to have. Especially when you consider the main demographic of this group and where they are in their lives. And what do people do when they’re scared? There’s a range of reactions but what we’re seeing play out with these ‘stop co-governance’ events and rhetoric seems to fit well with a fear-based reaction, rather than sitting with the fear and getting to know where it has come from, or what makes it so scary.
If you acknowledge the possibility for co-governance in one area, it’s not long before Uepoto dials in and you begin to enquire and become curious about where else co-governance could or should exist? And with that, we uncover the real threat of co-governance:
People we love, respect and admire expose themselves as being unwilling to share power or decision making opportunities with us.
Whether in our own homes, in work the workplace, throughout the spectrum of relationships we keep… We’d begin to see how one-sided our circumstances are.. How rather than true partnership, instead we’re being dictated to, controlled and managed according to someone else’s agenda. How the roles we hold are sexist-defined rather than to protect or enhance mauri… Scary, right?
Nevertheless, Te Ao Marama always comes after Te Pō; enlightenment always follows dysfunction, confusion and uncertainty. Our strength and courage to advocate for ourselves on an individual level and at a national level i.e. giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, invites challenge and incites conflict.
It’s a package deal. It’s whakapapa in action. Kia kaha tonu tātou. Okea ururoatia!
Tēnā tātou,
Hana