Introduction:
The accusation that iwi Māori are “riding a gravy train” due to treaty settlements is a harmful and pervasive myth, often accompanied by the misconception of Māori privilege.
This article aims to dismantle these false narratives, examining their application in New Zealand and shedding light on the stark disparities between historical losses and current gains.
New Zealand: A Legacy of Dispossession and Systemic Inequality
In New Zealand, the “gravy train” narrative often frames treaty settlements as a windfall for iwi Māori, ignoring the historical context of dispossession, oppression, and ongoing systemic disadvantages.
Photo / Broomhead P
Māori communities in New Zealand have endured over a century of systemic injustices, including forced land confiscation, cultural suppression, and economic disparities. The impact of these injustices continues to reverberate through iwi Māori shaping their socio-economic realities.
The Myth of Māori Privilege:
The myth of Māori privilege perpetuates the false belief that treaty settlements have bestowed unwarranted advantages upon iwi Māori.
However, a closer examination reveals that the gains from these settlements pale in comparison to the losses suffered historically.
The disparity between what was taken through breaches to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, stems from invasions, war, genocide and confiscation through the theft of trillions of dollars worth of land, resources, assets and minerals, over a 184 year period.
If you were to compare that to the 2. billion dollars that has been offered in compensation back to Māori over the last 29 years, it will highlight that compensation has been miniscule.
To compare, it’s like stealing one million dollars, and giving back one cent in return
Whilst respective government’s and speculators have been busy quarrying their own gravy trains off the backs of Māori land dispossession, and intergenerational trauma for the last 100 years.
In a further comparison, the National Government spent more than 2 billion dollars in 2011 bailing out AMI insurance after the Christchurch earthquake. The National Party then offered AMI a further support package up to 500 million dollars. That is more than the compensation returned to Māori for treaty settlements
That highlighted two things.
1. The respective government’s could’ve paid even more compensation for treaty settlements to the Māori tribes they decimated.
2. Those respective government’s chose not to.
The meager returns from these settlements stand in stark contrast to the enduring impact of colonialism on iwi Māori, underscoring the disproportionate burden borne by Indigenous peoples.
Moving Beyond Misconceptions:
It is imperative to move beyond misconceptions of Māori privilege and the “gravy train” narrative to acknowledge the systemic inequalities and historical injustices that continue to shape the experiences of iwi Māori.
Genuine reconciliation requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of inequity and empowers Indigenous voices in shaping their futures.
Embracing Truth and Reconciliation:
To advance truth and reconciliation in New Zealand, it is essential to confront the legacy of colonialism, center Indigenous perspectives, and commit to meaningful action that addresses the enduring disparities faced by iwi Māori. This entails not only recognizing past wrongs but also actively working towards a more equitable and just society for all.
Conclusion:
The “gravy train” myth and the notion of Māori privilege are deceptive narratives that obscure the profound historical injustices and systemic disparities faced by iwi Māori.
One way that this issue can be addressed is by inviting political ministers like hon David Seymour, and hon Winston Peters to a televised seat around the table where we play a game of show and tell.
Let’s put all our cards on the table to determine six things.
1. Who has the most to gain by applying the term gravy train to the treaty settlements process?
2. Who has the most to lose by such claims?
3. How valid and legitimate are said claims?
4. Are there actual gluttons riding a gray train, and if so, who are they?
5. How are claimants hoping to benefit by making said claims?
6. If said claims were found to be false, how are said claimants held to account for creating such disparaging damage undermining a legitimate compensatory process 184 years in the making ?
Under such scrutiny, said claims of gravy train treaty settlements, and Māori privilege would be found wanting, and left exposed as the deceptive misrepresentations that they are.
By illuminating the significant disparity between historical losses and current gains, we can foster a deeper understanding of the ongoing journey towards truth and reconciliation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Photo / supplied
Reference:
Darlington. B. (n.d).The gravy train. [Image] Retrieved 25/08/2024 from:
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwordsmith.org%2Fwords%2Fimages%2Fgravy_train.jpg&tbnid=dmjr_1mYnz9bMM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wordsmith.org%2Fwords%2Fgravy_train.html&docid=gRxVtmpOKv-UGM&w=180&h=285&hl=en-NZ&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm1%2F4&kgs=77255757314e138e&shem=abme%2Ctrie
Broomhead P. (20 Feb, 2011). Cartoon: Gravy train. [Image]. Retrieved 24/08/2024 from: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/cartoon-the-gravy-train/KLPU7APTTFUIFEK6CL5JSWVUDQ/
