Ki te whaiao, ki te ao Mārama Summary of Tangata Whenua ideas for developing the Plan Tangata Whenua told us the Plan should be bold and move away from the business-asusual approach. It needed to be inventive to eliminate racism across all sectors. Actions should be designed and prioritised to address the needs of Tangata Whenua. That is not to say that ethnic Tangata Tiriti do not have pressing needs. Rather, it is to say that Tangata Whenua as a Tiriti partner have been the primary target, suffered the most loss due to breaches of te Tiriti, and have the longest history of injustice in Aotearoa that demands immediate reconciliation. Furthermore, the long-standing, complex nature of racist injustice against Tangata Whenua will require long-term, multi-pronged action that lasts beyond the current government. Paraphrasing one rangatahi participant, the government should stop doing what is “convenient” or politically expedient and “push beyond its own racism” to take action that will change lives. Many of the priorities for Tangata Whenua will likely be similar to the rest of the population – including Pākehā - for example, improving housing, health, employment, and income along with education have been raised on a regular basis. Land, however, was continually raised by Tangata Whenua. Land is the source of much pain and will continue to be raised until the mamae resulting from land-taking has been comprehensively addressed (it is worth noting that the treaty settlements and process are not seen as a comprehensive solution). The Plan will need to specifically address the racist policies and structures that still enable the oppression of Tangata Whenua. In summary, Tangata Whenua participants expressed the following ideas and actions that the Plan could address: Tangata Whenua Ideas to include in the Plan 1. Whakamana tino rangatiratanga Tino rangatiratanga needs to be empowered, restored and strengthened to enable Tangata Whenua to take their rightful place under te Tiriti. Te Tiriti also needs to be properly recognised by Government so Tangata Whenua can exercise tino rangatiratanga in their own lands. Constitutional reform • Implement a Tiriti-based constitutional framework and the recommendations laid out in Matike Mai Aotearoa and He Puapua reports. • Develop a multi-pronged approach led in authentic partnership between tino rangatiratanga and kāwantanga. • Restructure all kāwanatanga-dominated systems in partnership between tino rangatiratanga and kāwanatanga to reflect and uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi. • Develop clear aims for constitutional reform, set by te Tiriti partners, and monitor progress. Review legislation • Address the ongoing negative impact on whānau of racist legislation. Whenua Te Kāhui Tika Tangata • Address the land issues of Tangata Whenua within a Tiriti process. • Dramatically improve the operation, processes and legislation of Local Government, the Māori Trustee and Māori Land Court so Māori can better use, access and develop their land. 52