8. Opportunities to strengthen responses to racism in Aoteroa New Zealand As expressed by participants, there have been positive and negative changes in the occurrence and expression of racism toward Māori and tauiwi migrant populations in Aotearoa New Zealand. All participants suggested approaches to encourage further positive change and strengthen potential and targeted cross-government and non-government agency responses to help make Aotearoa New Zealand a diverse place where everyone feels welcomed and safe. 8.1. Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi Participants expressed a need to honour commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and agreements and partnerships between Māori and the Crown. I think Te Tiriti as a recognised founding document of Aotearoa. We actively protect migrants and people who migrate to Aotearoa. As tangata whenua as kaitiaki of Aotearoa and as such we do that through our partnership with the Treaty. I think all we ask in return is recognition of us as tangata whenua and our tino rangatiratanga. (Te Ika-a-Māui Māori focus group) I think the government owe Māori everything, generational loss…at least acknowledge the past and seek healing processes. (Niuean focus group) Most participants highlighted that biculturalism must be adequately addressed for Aotearoa New Zealand to become a safe and welcoming country for all multicultural communities. Māori and other focus groups highlighted the importance of bilateralism and Māori sovereignty to respond to the needs of Māori. We invite people but still do what we have always done - How can we expect to welcome others? …We can't expect anything different to happen for people we invite into New Zealand when that's happening to our Indigenous people. That whole argument about biculturalism and multiculturalism, we need to get the biculturalism right. (Provider Pākehā) They are different and we shouldn’t expect the same place and space of the people of the land...I was shocked, how [Māori] experienced more racism and discrimination here in New Zealand. They should have it by their own right. I don’t expect (to be as represented), as Māori. (Tongan focus group) Some participants felt that biculturalism excluded multiculturalism and migrants’ place in Aotearoa New Zealand, while others felt a deep connection with Māori and that under Te Tiriti all migrants’ rights would be protected. www.malatest-intl.com Drivers of racism – March 2021 80