Issue 93

Ngā Hau E Whā

From The Editor

It’s February already with the festive season and summer break a distant memory for most.

The year has begun amidst rising unease with iwi Māori having to assert themselves as they hold this new coalition government to account on its proposed changes to Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the partnership agreement that has underpinned the foundations of Aotearoa for the past 184 years.

In all the discussion and debate, one thing that appears to be largely absent is respect – respect for Te Tiriti, for partnership and for each other. And at the end of the day isn’t respect a principle of any genuine partnership – kotahitaka?

The concept of respect goes much deeper than these current political murmurings.

It is a universal value that underpins how we behave and the decisions we make, whether it’s about te taiao, whenua, tikaka, whānau – those who have gone before us and those who will come after us.

It must be fundamental in the decisions we make to ensure all voices are heard, and everyone who chooses to do so has the opportunity to participate. Without respect we run the risk of leaving our future generations short-changed.

In this issue of TE KARAKA we include feature stories on two wāhine who embody all things respect in their pursuit of making the world a better place. Kera Sherwood-O’Regan (page 34) is an inspirational young wahine whose passion for social justice, climate change, Indigenous Peoples and the disabled, saw her named in the BBC’s 100 women of 2023. And Joanne McEachen, who has dedicated her life to positive education outcomes for all tamariki. Her business, The Learner First, is a global brand focused on delivering a holistic approach to school improvement. You can read more about Joanne’s work on page 38.

I also want to acknowledge our He Takata, Grace Manawatu. Our whānau has personally had the privilege of having Grace provide care in our home. The aroha and confidence she exudes in her mahi is exceptional – thank you, Grace.

Nāhaku noa, nā
Nā Adrienne Anderson Waaka