Hikoi 2.0

I remain unconvinced that a hikoi is a step forward in terms of opposition to the inadequate MCA bill. First of all, I doubt that Wikatana Popata possesses the organisational skills required to co-ordinate an effective, not to mention large scale, protest. I also doubt that he has skilled people behind him. One could argue that he proved his leadership ability and organisational skill at Waitangi, however there is a significant difference between organising a group of 200 people with whom you have personal connections and co-ordinating a protest connecting politically inactive and disparate groups across the North Island.

Secondly, the government is immovable. If anything a hikoi is a gift to the government. Hikoi are a great way to create anti-Maori sentiment. The government will appear strong and principled in the eyes of non-Maori if it refuses to shift position and offer Maori no further concessions. The government has nothing to fear from a hikoi, it’s none of their voters protesting after all. Certainly it is a golden opportunity for the government to stick it to those cry baby land grabbing Maoris. An easy PR victory.

Thirdly, the Maori Party appears immovable as well. Their logic is clear – this is the best that can be achieved at this point in time. Although I disagree with such a defeatist attitude there is a small pinch of truth to it, but that does not make it right. The party’s challenge to their people is essentially – come up with a better way forward or shut up. Therefore, I do not think a hikoi which is offering no answers will be of much interest. Unless of course that hikoi involves a significant amount of people. Which brings me to my next point.

There is not a significant amount of popular discontent with the bill. Yes, many iwi are disappointed, yes, many of the party’s members are disappointed and, yes, many Maori political commentators are disappointed. Yet disappointment among these groups has not translated to popular disappointment. In tough economic times concepts such as mana whenua are relegated to the back of people’s minds. Wages, benefits, prices and so on dominate people’s political thinking. Correcting historical injustice and delivering on the promise of the treaty is such an intangible concept. It lacks immediacy and is ultimately a secondary concern for many Maori.    

In the end I support the idea of a hikoi against the MCA bill. Whether that hikoi will result in any gains is open. I remain sceptical. Having said that I do hope to be proved wrong and The Maori Party should be very, very worried.  

Hat tip Whenua Fenua Enua Vanua

Maori Bloggers (part two)

A few days ago I asked readers whether or not they knew of any Maori bloggers/blogs. I had hoped that more names would have come up but I guess the Maori blogsphere is quite desolate. The following is a list Maori blogs and bloggers that I know of;

mars 2 earth (author: Marty Mars)

mars 2 earth is probably the most popular Maori blog - and with good reason. Marty Mars focuses on kaitiakitanga and offers a view of politics from a Maori/Ngai Tahu perspective (he also posts regularly unlike most other Maori bloggers).

Whenua Fenua Enua Vanua (Ana)

Whenua Fenua Enua Vanua is another leading Maori blog. Ana posts on a range of issues affecting Maori and other indigenous people and along with marty is one of the only Maori bloggers to post on a regular basis.

Ahi-kā-roa (Carwyn Jones)

Ahi-kā-roa focuses on legal issues affecting Maori and other indigenous people. The blog is written by Carwyn Jones, a Victoria University law lecturer. Posts are in depth yet infrequent.

KJT. Random musings on all sorts of things (KjT)

KjT comments almost exclusively on economic issues. According to his bio he is concerned about neo-liberal meanness. It is excellent having a Maori blogger who can comment competently on economic issues.

Te Waainga Wahine (various)

Te Waainga Wahine is a collective of Maori women - a strong voice for Wahine Maori. The blog usually reproduces press releases and links to material from prominent Maori women such as Annette Sykes and Ani Mikaere.

He Hōaka (Kim Mcbreen)

He Hōaka is an undiscovered gem. Like Ahi-kā-roa posting is infrequent but comprehensive and thoughtful.

Roarprawn (Bustedblonde)

Roarprawn is a popular right wing blog. The blog’s author is Ngai Tahu. Although I find her conclusions pretty peculiar it is an interesting blog and an enjoyable read. NB: I do not class Roarprawn as a Maori blog – the author just happens to be Maori.

Tim Selwyn (Tumeke)

Tim Selwyn is a popular Maori blogger. Tim has a very good understanding of Maori politics, as well as national politics, but does not post frequently on Maori political issues.

Rawiri Taonui also writes online columns here and here.

All in all a fairly short but eminent list of blogs and bloggers. There is a good mix of male and female and young and old. I guess the only problem is that the list is overwhelmingly left wing (it could be argued that this merely reflects the Maori population though). If I have missed anyone out please leave a comment.