April 18, 2024
Like a thief in the night are they coming for Matariki?
Like a thief in the night are they coming for Matariki?
Matthew Tukaki
For years people have campaigned for a unique New Zealand holiday in recognition of our own culture and history so when Matariki became officially recognised it didn’t just make the headlines here, it was global. The first nationally recognised Indigenous holiday. Next minute there were events, education, and whanau gatherings. But then, like a thief in the night, and like the grinch that stole Christmas, came the new Governments outlining of what they might bring about when it comes to changes to the Holiday Act. Fair Pay agreements were gone, and 90-day trials were back. But then what’s next? Given the changes being mooted to the curriculum do we expect that a bit of skulduggery might be at play? I mean its not as if the current Government doesn’t have form.
The Minister pushing through changes to the Holidays Act has already told bodies such as the Auckland Business Chamber that she is seeking feedback to her proposals but like other Ministers who is providing advice and insights from a Māori perspective? There are hundreds of Māori businesses out there (both large and small) who employ thousands and pay tens of millions in taxes, so do their voices count? And given that some in the Coalition have form in saying one thing and then broadening what they meant – can we assume that the landmark Matariki Holiday won’t be touched?
The Minister Brooke Van Velden didn’t mention any other public holiday to that same gathering other than Matariki and prior to taking Government made a pledge to wind back a holiday (January 2nd) where as PM Luxon previously said they wouldn’t if elected. Well, they are all elected now so the question is which is it? Matariki?
Its time for some straight talking as Māori once again prepare to gather in the Hawkes Bay to korero / talk about the myriad of other issues should we also be seeking answers on whether they will or wont scrap Matariki? To be honest that’s a conversation not just for Māori but all New Zealanders so we don’t wake up one morning and like thieves in the night the grinches haven’t just entered our whare / house and taken the presents under the tree the furniture, our kids and the plumbing.
Matthew Tukaki is Chairman of the National Māori Authority and General Manager UMA Broadcasting Ltd, Ngāi Te Rangi