A Plan of Action

Te Ao Hou, June 1975, Page 13

A Plan of Action 1) ‘Pinpointing problems is not enough; we need a plan of action. A serious and continuing assessment of our situation is needed. Because the problems have become too complex, we need the help of Government and universities, for research and analysis of necessary and accurate data. (We need too, members with hindsight, foresight, leaders in training, research, policy-making and action—plenty of action.) 2) ‘Decide on our priortites—choose a project and act on it. As well as providing palliatives and curing symptoms (Alas! the causes!!), we must take action to encourage change in our own communities as well as continuously challenge the structures which perpetuate the present inequalities — in employment, education, social welfare, police recruitment and judicial systems, as we have done so well in the past. 3) ‘We need an educational programme for awareness-building within ourselves—those positive feelings which pass on to our children (osmosis)—our search for an identity or self-respect needs a firm foundation. It must begin with the affirmation of self, of one's Maoriness—“To thine own self be true”—Kia whakaae te hinengaro, Ae, he Maori, he pai. To those active and loyal members of the old brigade, I challenge you to forget your “weariness of spirit”—we need you. We need you to show us and teach us this very quality. We need you to teach us the waiata, the patere, the oriori, the karanga — the role of the women on the marae. Our conference is in the heart of Waikato, where their kaumatua and kuia meet regularly to learn and to practise these very things I am asking for. Our needs for you do not stop there. We need you to teach us the pride of making a kete pingao, a kete whakairo, a whariki whakairo, of conserving and cultivating our flax, our kiekie, our pingao. If you don't know, get together, learn, practise, and teach us. Ma te Pakeha ranei matou hei whakaako? Our Maoriness—parents of today must cease to devalue that which is beyond them to change—this done, then build upon it—and finally influence the outer community to ensure social justice. President of the League Mrs Miraka Szaszy speaking from the porch of Mahinarangi during the traditional welcome at Turangawaewae. 4) ‘Work or service for the family and the community—a belief and a commitment based upon aroha. 5) ‘The League must become once again, a movement for change, if we are going to remain alive or dynamic. Youth is suffering most, yet our hope is in youth—the new generation. Let's work with them and for them! Such service of love, and the highest charity of all. 6) ‘The exact details of a true plan of action

must be worked out by you during our open forum session—my suggestions have been made known to you through our reports.