Maori escaping prejudice in Aust

[sparrow]

Maori escaping prejudice in Aust: report
Saturday Sep 29 04:01 AEST
The number of Maori leaving New Zealand for Australia is rising, in part
because of a "bloody Maoris" attitude at home, a new report says.

While moving to Australia means an escape from prejudice and better
relations with other New Zealanders, many younger Maori don't feel
Australian and end up being rejected by Maori at home.

The report by the NZ government advisory body Te Puni Kokiri (TPK), Maori in
Australia, looks at how many Maori live in Australia, why they are there and
what they are doing.

The report, by TPK policy manager Paul Hamer, says there are some 115,000 to
125,000 Maori in Australia, up from the 2006 census figure of 92,912,
although this may be due to how the census question was asked.

It says about 15 per cent of Maori live in Australia, with most moving for
jobs and higher wages.

"States where the Maori population has grown most rapidly over the last 20
years are the booming resource states of Queensland and Western Australia,
which some Maori describe as a blue collar paradise."

Other reasons include lifestyle - factors like climate and the
multiculturalism of big cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and family being
there already.

Maori also leave New Zealand to escape the impact of gangs, drugs, crime,
domestic violence, prejudice and negative attitudes, the report says.

Some people interviewed for the report felt the political environment in New
Zealand was depressing and it quoted a Canberra man saying: "The media's
always full of negative stories about Maori. People are always thinking `the
bloody Maoris'."

Of New Zealand-born survey respondents, 34.5 per cent felt they left
political issues behind them when they moved to Australia and of that group,
nearly 40 per cent said that made them feel more free.

The report also says Maori and Pakeha - non-indigenous New Zealanders - get
on better in Australia and bond together as Kiwis.

"Gone are the politics and wedges that get driven between Maori and Pakeha
at home, (respondents) reported, and in their place are the camaraderie and
unity that comes from being New Zealanders living together away from home."

The report says many Maori start businesses in Australia after never feeling
confident about doing so back home.

The image of Kiwi bludgers in Australia is also fading, with the rate of
employment of New Zealand citizens in Australia higher than that of
Australian born - 76.7 per cent compared to 68.6 per cent.

Maori generally don't take Australian citizenship - in 2001 only 22.8 per
cent became citizens - and many intend to go home again, although once
grandchildren are born it becomes less likely.

While Maori fit in easier in Australia than other ethnic groups, their
unique cultural needs are not always catered for, the report says.

Culturally some feel a heightened sense of Maori identity in Australia, but
Maori language speaking levels decline.

There are also tensions between Australian and New Zealand Maori, with the
immigrants called "plastic Maori" and accused of being focused on money.

"Many younger Maori also seem to feel some uncertainty about their identity,
not feeling particularly Australian but also reporting a degree of rejection
by Maori in New Zealand."

[Lux]

Did that report come out of Te Puni Kokiri?

Some interesting points made, and I do believe, well I know personally that many Maori are doing well over there.

Wouldn't mind going myself for the temperature, need to get this home boy out of his comfort zone though. My sister maybe moving over there
which at this point in time doesn't go well with me, I'll miss her and worry about her and the kids.

I'd like to think that the whole family could go with her if she makes the move but my Dad and Grandad are both unwell and I don't know that Dad would leave home now.

hmmm...lots to think about.

[bossybitch]

There is racism everywhere, it doesnt matter if you are Maori, Asian, Danish, South African white(dare I use that) Pakistan, or other. Clearly it is a difference in understanding each others upbringing, values, morals and culture and regarding it as individual concern for oneself. We as New Zealanders scoff at the rubgy Oz plays and the overarm incident.

Maori will choose to live where they feel comfortable and to enjoy a lifestyle that is their own choice, it is not always over the statistics or evidence collated. It is just as those who are Pakeha that are born New Zealanders that flock to Oz for various reasons and yet there is no concern for them. I wouldn't move there as I love being able to swim in my river and to enjoy the beautiful lifestyle that is offered here. All of the qualities of life I have here and I love New Zealand regardless of the differences in culture or the values and morals that I give to my beautiful children.

The choice for other Maori to move is theirs. I'm not too bothered by all the report as I know that they have as much opportunity to learn their culture and other cultures there in Oz.

I am, however, very concerned that Maori are doing well there than there own indigenous people, Aborigine are disregarded until they make a good name for themselves. They use the digaridoo and other symbolic gifts from them when they feel it needs to be expressed(Uluru for one) and yet they shite on these beautiful people. Sucks really and I wish them all the best in growing and learning their values and culture. May they strive and unite together.

Thanks for your thoughts bing.....I'm sure it is interesting but it is not really too much of a concern. My concern is making sure my children have opportunity here and they can make their own decision when they feel the time is right.

[bossybitch]

Oh and plastic Maori is a term that was used in NZ long before Oz due to the Act that came in with Social Welfare when whanau could no longer cater for the needs of children needing foster care. Back then it was Whangai whanau. Not sure what year I will have to look into Takawai Murphy's book if you want a History lesson there. True story.

I was called a plastic Maori and it was the most embarring day of my life knowing that my Maori was much stronger that the teacher ever had himself as a young child.

He whakaputa mohio tane, engari he tino reka mo tana te reo Maori.

If only he knew my real background, My nan would have said a few words to him. Oh and he turned the other cheek or should I be PC and use the term takatapui, so there you go.......