With NZ being in COVID-19 Protection Framework ‘Red’ traffic light, and the rise in COVID cases, we are taking a cautious approach to ensure the safety of all those who were planning to attend.
We would like to acknowledge the time the keynote speakers, panellists and workshop facilitators have put into planning the event and making themselves available to participate in this mahi. We look forward to them joining us at a later date.
This event will bring together academics, students, artists, writers, treaty workers, activists, politicians and change makers to discuss and create steps towards what an equitable future in a decolonised Aotearoa could look like.
Wellington City Council’s Tatai Heke Māori Karepa Wall welcomes the event.
“Kua rewa anō te waka – piki mai inā koia te koronga o te Ngākau kia kakea rā ngā tāpuhipuhitanga o te whakaaro! So many in our community are now the new catalysts of decolonisation simply because our community now better understands and appreciates the complexities of Māori self-determination.
“We have been through a process of unlearning some of our past – and now the time is to come together and relearn in order for us to move forward together,” says Karepa.
The ‘Imagining Decolonisation’ wānanga was to provide a line-up of speakers and workshop leaders including artists and musicians Ruby Solly and Ariana Tikao, Psychiatrist Dr Di Kopua, academic Emalani Case (VUW), campaigner Kassie Hartendorp (Action Station), environmentalist Catherine Delahunty (Kōtare), Councillor Tamatha Paul, Green Party MP Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, dance artist Lusi Faiva, and youth activist Safari Hynes. We hope they can find time in their schedules to join us at a later date.
Experiential workshops across diverse mediums will provide an opportunity for discussion and creative expression.
Councillor Tamatha Paul is looking forward to being part of the event, when are able to run it, for a number of reasons.
“If COVID has shown us anything, it is the illumination of deep-rooted inequality in New Zealand. Amidst trying to keep our communities safe, trying to keep a roof over our heads and stay afloat, there has been little time to dream of a decolonised Aotearoa.
“I’m excited to be in wānanga with rangatira and rangatahi to collectively imagine a better, fairer society and to inspire action.”
Participants of all ages and nationalities with some knowledge of Te Tiriti will be invited to attend.
Visit toiponeke.nz for the latest updates on this event.