Te Ururoa Flavell
MP for Waiariki | Maori Party Whip
21 January 2012
Ainumosir (Hokkaida), Japan
Shiro san Shimizu san, Shizuesan, Kaizawasan, Naomisa Prof. Nomotosan, Ekashi and Huchi no minasan Irankarapte
I acknowledge you Shiro Kayano, the leader of the Ainu Party for your bold spirit and your fierce determination to
ensure the rights of Ainu people are being raised by Ainu people for the advancement and enlightenment of greater Japan.
It is indeed a great honour to be here in Ainumosir, with the home people; the people of the land.
You need to know that in Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand this moment in time, the moment in
which the indigenous voice, the voice of the Ainu is heard, is in itself history-making.
Exactly one week ago, the national Maori Television news, Te Kaea, reported on the pending launch of the Ainu Party as
the leading story on the news that night.
Maori have long upheld a respect and a commitment to supporting the Ainu, as our indigenous brothers and sisters across
the Pacific. In 2008, five members from AMO – the Advancement of Maori Opportunity were present at the Indigenous
Peoples Summit in Hokkaido Ainu Mosir.
AMO
And in September 2010, a thirty year friendship between sister cities led to Contemporary Traditions a collaboration
between Otaru and Otago museums representing some of the best of Kai Tahu and Ainu works.
2010
And I know that today’s proceedings have been eagerly welcomed by organisations such as Te Wananga o Aotearoa, one of
our three Maori universities.
The Maori Party is extremely proud, therefore, to bring the best wishes of tangata whenua – the indigenous voices of
Aotearoa – into this very exciting event.
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Over seven years ago, on 10th June 2004, the Maori Party embarked on a similar journey to that which you enter today.
Our intentions have always been to negotiate the very strongest position for Maori within Parliament, and to make gains
in every field – our catchcry was that every issue is a Maori issue; what is good for Maori will be good for Aotearoa.
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And I want to explain that in taking on the name, Maori, the name of the indigenous people of Aotearoa, we are
deliberately taking on the full meaning of Maori – which means natural. I understand this may be very similar to the
meaning of Ainu – as human.
We might say, for instance, ma te wai Maori tatou e tu ora: drinking pure natural water is good for your health!
The Maori Party therefore entered parliament with the aspiration to uphold indigenous values to ensure our country
maintains its natural beauty and is home for all New Zealanders.
We started off with one Member of Parliament, Tariana Turia, who was elected as the first Maori Party MP and entered
Parliament on 27 July 2004.
In 2005, after the General Election, she was joined by three others, myself included. We took on the challenge of
Opposition, learning the protocols and expectations in the House; developing our political experience; and trying to
take our people along with us in that journey.
challenge
It has not been an easy road, but in the 2008 Parliament and the 2011 Parliament we have successfully taken up an
arrangement with the Government, which has enabled us to achieve a vast range of initiatives through our working
relationship across Government portfolios, while also Tariana Turia and Dr Pita Sharples, our co-leaders, taking on
ministerial responsibilities as well.
In the most recent Government Tariana and Pita has ministerial responsibilities in education, health, housing, social
development, Corrections, employment, disabilities, Maori Affairs and our own initiative Whanau Ora – literally the
wellbeing of our families. While we have made these gains, we have developed a relationship accord that has allowed us
to vote against our partner if any act of law is contrary to the views held by our party.
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I want to be really clear with you that it’s not enough to have political representation – political authority is vital
if we are to open up the opportunities our people seek to make the difference we need.
Being in an arrangement with Government provides us with immediate access to Ministers. And importantly it has enabled
us to throw open the doors of parliament to ensure our people are able to be at the table, telling their stories, being
heard.
We hope that the establishment of the Ainu Party will contribute along with other initiatives to ensure your culture,
your livelihood, your values and traditions are being preserved, promoted and protected.
This is a day to celebrate also the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – and I know that
right across the globe other indigenous movements share our pride and our excitement as you commit to take on local and
national politics.
We – the Maori Party of New Zealand –wish you much courage; resilience and strategic talent – as you strive to be heard
at the highest levels of government.
resilence
This is indeed a very significant day in the history of the Ainu, and the future of greater Japan.
We congratulate you all on this remarkable event, and look to forward to sharing in your developments as you go from
strength to strength; maintaining your cultural integrity while seeking every opportunity to exert political influence.
We as Maori have been along with the journey you now embark on. We know the challenges and hurdles that you may face but
with unity and vision, a strong desire from the heart and willingness to set a platform for your children and
grandchildren, anything is possible.
The fact this day has come about is a testimony to your resilience. We wish you well. May your ancestors be with you.
The Maori party of New Zealand is with you on this great day. Congratulations and thank you inviting us and looking
after us. We are humbled and proud to be with you.
ENDS