Similar messages came through in engagements
for these reports. The national action plan
against racism provides another avenue for the
Government to deliver on some of the Royal
Commission’s 44 recommendations.
Interviews were conducted with Māori scholars
and activists, Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith,
chair Tina Ngata, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Dr
Rawiri Taonui, Kingi Snelgar, and the late Dr
Moana Jackson.
The Commission heard from a range of
communities, including Tangata Whenua iwi
leaders, Tāngata Whaikaha, ethnic women’s
groups, multicultural and multi-ethnic councils,
Pacific and Asian networks, inter-faith groups,
students and academics.
Ki te whaiao, ki te ao Mārama recommendations
from both Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti
were placed under five corresponding pou and
pillars. Recommendations included;
Unfortunately, the resurgence of COVID-19
in August 2021 meant most of the scheduled
face-to-face meetings could not proceed. Māori
voices are not as strong as they might been
had in-person meetings alongside the National
Iwi Chairs Forum been able to take place. The
meetings engaged relatively few Pacific voices
reflecting the impact of the 2021 outbreak. The
Commission mitigated the inability to carry out
in-person engagements by organising online
workshops.
• Establishing a monitoring and accountability
mechanism.
Members of the Tangata Tiriti caucus, Professor
Paul Spoonley, and Anjum Rahman, had articles
published after the reports’ release on the
importance of progressing moves to address
racism and improve understanding about its
historical impact.
• Strengthen Indigenous and human rights in
Aotearoa.
Maranga Mai!
Maranga Mai! was written by members of the
Tangata Whenua caucus with the support of Ahi
Kaa. The research-based report was designed to
be read alongside Ki te whaiao, ki te ao Mārama.
The Commission published the report to provide
an important indigenous perspective on the
history and impact of racism.
Maranga Mai! combines evidence-based
literature with analysis from recognised experts
in the field of anti-racism. This method focuses
on Māori experiences, the value of which lies in
documenting inter-generational insights.
• Resourcing and co-ordinating anti-racism
work;
Key recommendations from Maranga Mai!
included moves to:
• Commit to constitutional transformation;
• Establish a Truth, Reconciliation and Justice
Commission;
• Establish an independent body or bodies to
deliver transformation;
The reports were presented to Government
and released to inform a robust national action
plan against racism. They uplift the voices
and aspirations of vulnerable communities.
The Commission expects to continue to
promote these and advocate for the plan to be
progressed.
All parties engaged during the research
indicated they appreciated the opportunity to
share their views and continue the discussion
around eliminating racism. A targeted action
plan will help all communities thrive in New
Zealand.
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