Proud Kiwi
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I saw the thread for this topic closed. So here's my opinion.
As a Kiwi who has spent at least a third of my life in Australia I have some thoughts on the hot topic of when to celebrate Australia day.
As non-indigenous Aussies have not been dispossessed of their land or culture, it isn’t something they think about. Whereas the Australian aboriginals have been condemned to have lost both home and culture through European settlement. Not just the land and culture that existed at the time of settlement but the potential of what it would have become if left to develop.
They have more reason to feel dispossessed and an incredible level of injustice from these events. Therefore, their opinion of Australia Day is vastly different from non-indigenous Australians. Going so far as to call it invasion day. The gap between that opinion and the unwoken Aussie who cannot grasp what would upset a person about celebrating the day it all kicked off is bigger than the ditch between here and New Zealand.
The attitude towards the indigenous population in New Zealand is vastly different. Firstly, there is a treaty signed 181 years ago which is the basis of European and Maori cooperation, which is regularly revisited, ensuring both parties are aware of any obligations that are needing to be fulfilled.
The language of both treaty partners is used in everyday instances such as place names, speeches, the national anthem and so forth, to achieve a more egalitarian society. Our parliamentarian system reserves a number of representative seats in parliament for Maori candidates.
Australia is always speaking about how they wish to improve the Aboriginal wellbeing with platitudes, such as ‘closing the gap’. However, in actual fact we don’t see any practical evidence of moving towards an equal and fair society for all members. From my viewpoint until this translates into any real actions that match the platitudes, we won’t see the change that’s needed in Australia.
Upon conclusion, I would suggest we give the first people the choice of which day they would prefer for Australia day to be celebrated. Respect their viewpoint and find another day that all can have pride in the country as one, today and forevermore.
As a Kiwi who has spent at least a third of my life in Australia I have some thoughts on the hot topic of when to celebrate Australia day.
As non-indigenous Aussies have not been dispossessed of their land or culture, it isn’t something they think about. Whereas the Australian aboriginals have been condemned to have lost both home and culture through European settlement. Not just the land and culture that existed at the time of settlement but the potential of what it would have become if left to develop.
They have more reason to feel dispossessed and an incredible level of injustice from these events. Therefore, their opinion of Australia Day is vastly different from non-indigenous Australians. Going so far as to call it invasion day. The gap between that opinion and the unwoken Aussie who cannot grasp what would upset a person about celebrating the day it all kicked off is bigger than the ditch between here and New Zealand.
The attitude towards the indigenous population in New Zealand is vastly different. Firstly, there is a treaty signed 181 years ago which is the basis of European and Maori cooperation, which is regularly revisited, ensuring both parties are aware of any obligations that are needing to be fulfilled.
The language of both treaty partners is used in everyday instances such as place names, speeches, the national anthem and so forth, to achieve a more egalitarian society. Our parliamentarian system reserves a number of representative seats in parliament for Maori candidates.
Australia is always speaking about how they wish to improve the Aboriginal wellbeing with platitudes, such as ‘closing the gap’. However, in actual fact we don’t see any practical evidence of moving towards an equal and fair society for all members. From my viewpoint until this translates into any real actions that match the platitudes, we won’t see the change that’s needed in Australia.
Upon conclusion, I would suggest we give the first people the choice of which day they would prefer for Australia day to be celebrated. Respect their viewpoint and find another day that all can have pride in the country as one, today and forevermore.
