When [Pacific] are doing good they're rep[resenting] New Zealand…they will call them Kiwis…It’s those superiorities taking over the minorities...But then when [Pacific] do bad we're not part of New Zealand, we're from the Pacific Islands. (Kiribati focus group) You’re a bad Māori but when it’s good it’s like yay Kiwi that’s all of us we love it, come and do a haka on stage for us. (Te Ika-a-Māui Māori focus group) Social media was seen as a powerful means of uniting and dividing people. It was noted as keeping the general public informed about international and local issues and events and allowed people to connect with like-minded others. It was also seen as a medium to express personal views and opinions, engage in debates and chat forums, and confront others in a virtual sense. With social media and polarisation of people, and representations that reinforce the messages that people get. It brings people together but polarises people. (Provider) Māori focus groups also described social media as providing an opportunity to circulate misinformation, stories and images in jest and out of context which could be used to fuel negative stereotypes and myths about different ethnic groups. The influence of technology and media communications in projecting the negative connotations of particular cultures is hard out. It’s so quick that the gratification of having a laugh, a little joke, it’s so quick and instant you don’t stop to think about how that image looks for Māori as a whole. I’ve seen the memes and I’ve had a paku kata. But then you’re like are these Māori themselves making these up or are they on Māori or is it the perception of what Māori are like when really the real Māori are at the marae working together. (Te Ika-a-Māui Māori focus group) 7.12. Summary Participants’ understandings about the drivers for migrants’ experiences of racism were broad, multifaceted and complex, and validated findings in the literature scan. Participants described the drivers for racism as: Colonisation: Racism was considered an enduring impact of colonisation around the world and embedded within systems and institutions in Aotearoa New Zealand. Fear: Fear of the unknown and a perceived loss of opportunity, power and control. Diversity was not valued. Ignorance: A lack of cultural awareness, self-awareness, empathy and emotional intelligence. This also included limited critical thinking, belief in superficial understandings about others, and a limited understanding of what defined ‘Kiwi’ and ‘Kiwi culture’. Blame: Shifting the blame for personal failures, and feelings of intimidation about the success and skills of others. www.malatest-intl.com Drivers of racism – March 2021 78