Kia Ora,
I thank you for the opportunity to hear the views and opinions of those that search the answer to our dilemmas. I pray we shall one day have a safe and secure resolution for us all. I'm worried for our identity within our children not only as Ngai Tahu but as Maori, I can see that what we deal with, within our table of directors is a $ driven representation for power, credit and signifigance. As people infested with this disease it is normally a remedy that they carry within and no prescription is available for them.
They must see the truth of the trail they led and follow through their own eyes. It makes me wonder, who could not be subject to the inflict of such an ailment, once they are put in such a seat?
My sadness applies to the struggle that was made to bring are presentation recognised forward, the devalue to the spirit of being Maori. Our children will soon discover the "who you know"' value of being Ngai Tahu, not the strength to carry the kite of our ancestors.
What direction or chance can we offer them to understand the warmth of our heart when our world sounds with the cries of conflict and challenge.
This building of concrete, power and money disasociates us of the physical belonging to the real body of the mother and father to us all.
Our respect is nothing more than the fable we promote as when we believed they spoke to us.
This saddens me that their voice in our hearts and spirit is no longer heard. I don't want to keep this fire burning for this tribe for I fear the torture our own would put upon something as fagile as a memory. Thanks for listening to the cries of us all.
Mariata Couch