Introduction:
The term “white fragility” refers to the defensive and uncomfortable reactions European New Zealanders experience when confronted with discussions about racism and privilege. In Aotearoa New Zealand, this phenomenon plays a significant role in perpetuating systemic racism and hindering progress towards achieving true equity for Māori.
White fragility was a notion coined by Robin DiAngelo in her book White Fragility in 2018: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. It refers to the discomfort, defensiveness, and anger that white people often experience when confronted with issues of racial inequality.
The current coalition government’s actions, particularly their approach to Maori health, indigenous policies, and cultural institutions, demonstrate a concerning trend of white fragility, resistance to acknowledging racial privilege and defensiveness, and a fear of losing control.
One manifestation of this defensiveness, and a fear of losing control is the use of the “gravy train” language to dismiss Treaty settlements. This derogatory term, often used to suggest that Maori are unfairly benefiting from government funding, is a clear example of Resistance to acknowledging racial privilege.
Waitangi gravy train photo / Tremain
The term treaty settlement fatigue began to be coined by some politicians including minister hon Winston Peters, who criticized the increasing number of claims registered with the Waitangi Tribunal, suggesting that a Treaty of Waitangi gravy train had formed around the claims process.
Waitangi Tribunal:
The establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal in 1975 was aimed to investigate and make recommendations on Māori claims relating to actions or omission by the Crown. Subsequently, the Waitangi Tribunal and following redress processes established that the systematic violation of Māori inherent rights, which predates and are enshrined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, were breached, spanning generations. These breaches have resulted in profound consequences, including intergenerational poverty, the erosion of cultural heritage, and the near extinction of te reo Māori.
Multiple claims to the Waitangi Tribunal highlight systemic dispossession privileging New Zealand European at the expense of Māori, while simultaneously fostering a narrative of Māori privilege. This narrative, fueled by historical amnesia, conveniently overlooks the brutal history of invasion, war, and genocide, as well as the theft of trillions of dollars’ worth of land, resources, and assets. The inherent rights of Māori, existing prior to the Treaty, have been systematically undermined, leading to a profound imbalance in the relationship between Māori and New Zealand European that has been going on for 184 years.
The scale of this injustice is akin to stealing a million dollars and offering a single cent in return, whilst respective governments and speculators have profited immensely from the dispossession of Māori land, perpetuating intergenerational implications for over a century, the meager compensation offered falls woefully short of addressing the true extent of the historical injustices through the Waitangi Tribunal over the last 29 years. It reflects a discomfort with acknowledging the historical injustices inflicted upon Maori and a resistance to accepting the responsibility for addressing those injustices.
White privilege & equal rights-photo/ Ramses
The government’s actions extend beyond this rhetoric, revealing a pattern of undermining Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles. This includes the decision to strip back the Maori Health Authority, a crucial institution dedicated to improving health outcomes for Maori, and the rollback of indigenous policies that support Maori wellbeing. These actions demonstrate a reluctance to acknowledge and address the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Maori, stemming from a discomfort with confronting the systemic racism that historically and currently disadvantages Maori.
The government’s attack on Te Tiriti o Waitangi is evident in their actions regarding the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989 (Section 7AA) and the Corrections Act. The recent removal of Te Tiriti clauses from the Corrections legislation, and Oranga Tamariki act further jeopardizes the progress made through Hōkai Rangi, and 7AA. This move sends a clear message that the government is no longer committed to upholding its Treaty obligations and addressing the systemic injustices faced by Māori in the system. It also undermines the principles of partnership and protection enshrined in the Treaty. This reflects a broader pattern of white fragility, unconscious/ conscious bias and implicit prejudice to justify a reluctance to engage with Maori perspectives and rights.
Further exacerbating this trend is the government’s push for the “fast track” bill, and the foreshore & seabed act, bypassing proper consultation and engagement with Maori communities. This approach demonstrates a disregard for Māori voices and a lack of commitment to upholding the principles of partnership enshrined in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Photo: / Urban News
Speaking to White Privilege:
European New Zealanders (Pākehā) historically and currently benefit from the impact of colonization without understanding the consequences for Māori across generations. This adds another layer to this complex issue. It demonstrates a disregard for the profound impact on Māori identity and well-being. New Zealand European (Pākehā) also lack understanding regarding the intergenerational consequences of colonisation, which benefited them at Māori expense, leading to a disconnect from the struggles faced by Māori communities. Conclusively, the New Zealand European (Pākehā) also seem to view colonisation is a natural process for claiming territory whilst seemingly overlooking the violence, exploitation, and loss and detrimental cost experienced by Māori. Conclusively, the intergenerational implications and ongoing disparities faced by Māori as a result of colonization are often overlooked or underestimated by those who benefit from the privileges that colonization has afforded them.
The Coalition government’s actions implemented 75 pieces of legislation that are trying to roll back:
– Tiriti o Waitangi through the Treaty Principle’s Bill
-Underminding the Foreshore & Seabed act
– The disbanding of the Te Aka Whaiora Māori Health Authority
– Reversing Indigenous policies supporting Māori
– Attacking Te Reo Māori signs and use of the language
– Eliminating Māori wards
-Removing Māori names from Government organisations
– Restricting the use of karakia in corporate body settings
– Implementing ineffective boot camps against Royal Commission recommendations
– Failing to uphold commitments to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
– Discriminating against the disabled community
– Betraying promises to cancer patients
– Providing tax breaks to wealthy landlords
– Implementing the Fast Track bill – Allowing global corporations to exploit New Zealand’s resources without benefiting local communities.
Conclusion:
These actions, driven by white fragility and a lack of understanding of the systemic racism that continues to impact Maori, threaten to erode the progress made in achieving true equity and justice for Māori. It’s understandable that people may feel uncomfortable when discussing race, but it’s important to recognize that defensive reactions can perpetuate racial inequality.” That is why it is imperative that the government confront its own prejudicial biases and engage in genuine dialogue with Māori communities to address the root causes of inequality and build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Jacinda Ardern 2022 Photo: / Godfrey
References:
Cuncic, A. (9 May, 2023). Understanding White Privilege. [Image] Retrieved 26/08/2024 from: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-white-privilege-5070460
Godfrey, M. (4 Feb, 2022). Māori might be the luckiest Indigenous people- bur that’s not down to New Zealand exceptionalism. [Image] Retrieved 26/08/2024 from: https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2022/feb/04/maori-might-be-the-luckiest-indigenous-people-but-thats-not-down-to-new-zealand-exceptionalism
Urban News (August 15, 2020). For Whites who don’t think they are privileged. [Image] Retrieved 26/08/2024 from: https://theurbannews.com/lifestyles/2020/for-whites-who-dont-think-they-are-privileged/
NZ Herald. (24 Oct, 2019). Beyond White guilt: Pākehā and colonisation. Episode 4- ‘Pākehā paralysis. [Image] Retrieved 26/08/2024 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LgzJzJgdm1c
NZ Herald. (22 Nov 2021). Beyond White guilt: Time for Pākehā to stand up against racism says educators. [Image] Retrieved 26/08/2024 from: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/beyond-white-guilt-time-for-pakeha-to-stand-up-against-racism-say-educators/S46QOPBVDJWQRK4RLBP4DLBSMY/#google_vignette
Tremain, G.(n.d). Waitangi gravy train. [Image], Retrieved 26/08/2024 from: https://garricktremain.nz/cartoons
Ramses. (22 May, 2022). White Privileges. [Image], Retrieved 26/08/2024 from: https://www.cartoonmovement.com/cartoon/white-privileges
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