7. Participants’ understandings of the drivers of racism Participants identified numerous drivers for migrants’ experiences of racism. 7.1. Colonisation Participants commonly noted and empathised with Māori about the negative impact of colonisation on Māori as Indigenous to Aotearoa and saw connections to the impacts of colonisation in their own heritage. So, the white man, with the colonisation of this country, they tried to eradicate [Māori]… trying to wipe out their culture…wipe them out as people...For the 200 years [colonisers] lived in India…they f***ing raped, pillaged, took all the gold, ripped off our people …When they left, they decided to leave a proper mess. That's what they've done to the Māori… (Indian focus group) Colonisation was described as having enduring impacts around the world that continued to affect Indigenous and migrant populations. Consequently, migrants in Aotearoa New Zealand were seen as being socialised in a society that prioritised Pākehā and had embedded injustices experienced by Māori within its systems and institutions. Most African countries have been colonised in the past, and colonisation has the mentality of divide and conquer. Britain colonised 108 countries in the world, and the residual effect of that is still being felt. (Tongan focus group) Many participants also noted ignorance and a lack of understanding among New Zealanders about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a lack of willingness to accept Aotearoa New Zealand’s colonial history and impacts. We have a unique history with our Treaty, the way Māori were treated by colonisation. We have our own story that's not something to be proud of. (Provider) I can't count the number of times when racism comes up and it's all you bloody British did this. It's like well hang on I was still in Britain at the time, it’s you Kiwis that were doing that. So maybe looking for a veneer of well it was the British, to distance themselves from that. (European migrant focus group) 7.2. Fear Participants described racism as a way to maintain power and control over others. Many thought this emanated from a sense of fear of the unknown among dominant groups and a perceived loss of opportunities (e.g. employment), power and control. www.malatest-intl.com Drivers of racism – March 2021 71