The Cry of the Ruru
Waitangi Day feels like a timely moment to reflect. In the last decade, we have seen increased interest from tauiwi Asians to understand Te Tiriti and our relationship to it. This is a huge positive change from the previously dominant perspective that Te Tiriti is between Māori and Pākehā, where Asians often saw Te Tiriti as irrelevant to us.
Late last year, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins chastised the Royal Society of New Zealand for not doing more to “stand up for science”, in what he described as a “ludicrous move to incorporate Maori ‘ways of knowing’ into science curricula in New Zealand.” Last month, he continued his rebuke, stating “If there is value in a Māori view of the world, then let it be taught worldwide.”
Jina Emini was your name. You were 22. Even though the government calls you Mahsa Amini. The same government that allowed your death for not dressing “properly”. Is the same government that doesn’t acknowledge your name. Your name is Jina. As your mum named you. Say her name. Call her name. Revealed from a tweet by Beri Shalmashi.
Over the following decade, we will need a strong Te Tiriti-based progressive movement more than ever.
Te Tangi A Te Ruru 