Ki te whaiao, ki te ao Mārama There were practical ideas about how to create greater diversity. Participants called for increased diversity in leadership roles where “decision-makers, leadership positions, wherever you look, the people who take up space are the cultures of Aotearoa, no longer saturated by only one ethnic group”. This call was complemented by the desire for greater diversity in democracy: Democratic systems that enable diversity of participation and representation to ensure local, regional and national decisionmaking responds to the needs and aspirations of diverse communities. This participant further noted that “while diverse representation is essential to reduce racism within organisations, intentional anti-racist action must be taken” too. Some participants discussed digital inclusion, noting that “technology has a role” and the importance of a digital inclusion plan focused on “ensuring communities benefit equally”. As a result of the country facing and eliminating racism, several participants said they would feel a sense of pride in being a New Zealander. One said: I would feel proud to be part of a nation that acknowledged its problems and addressed them. I would feel happy to share resources with everyone who needs them, and I would feel better to be part of a community which looks after all its members, not only some. Culture and history Several ethnic Tangata Tiriti participants gave examples of where they felt they had to reduce their ethnic identity or behave more like Pākehā. For them, a society that had eliminated racism would: heal my trauma and internal racism, [it] would allow me to be confident walking into corporate sectors and make me feel safe in showing who I truly am and not having to act ‘white’ to get to places. Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Ethnic Tangata Tiriti particpants talked about their cultural rights and having the freedom to fully exercise them. One spoke of wanting “my people knowing and proud of their culture; identity, customs and protocols are valued and can be expressed; not being viewed as second-class to the European”. Another noted that even positive attention can be difficult, saying “while the intent of positive attention is good, it does attract attention and put that culture/race in the spotlight which, for many people, is not what they want!” Many participants commented on the importance of culture to knowing oneself and understanding how you are positioned in society. One participant wanted “all people understanding and embracing their own culture and feeling strong and proud in themselves, so that they can also embrace and appreciate the culture of others, without discrimination or rejection of difference”. Several participants felt the government needed to do more to acknowledge nonEuropean or non-Christian traditions and festivals. One pointed out the asymmetry in government messaging about festivals during the COVID-19 lockdowns: “there was big talk about Christmas and what’s happening – other ethnic communities had national holidays of significance during lockdown but there was no formal acknowledgement of that.” This asymmetry was also noted in relation to the history of Aotearoa and the importance of emphasising that communities, other than Māori and Pākehā, have been in the country for a long time. One participant said “start acknowledging that Africans were here in the 1960s with the Special Commonwealth Assistance Plan and left some kids here. We exist too.” Some participants felt commemorative events could help people learn and build connections: remembering the past through commemoration brings people together in reflection. There is power in collective 62

Select target paragraph3