Elizabeth was invited to be one of several speakers at the Māori & Pasifika Symposium 2024 held in Wellington. The theme, “Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei” – For us and our children after us (Ngāi Tahu), set a lear tone for the event, emphasising the importance of our work today in shaping a better future for our uri.
The symposium gathered a wonderful line-up of experienced speakers who shared their insights and ground-breaking work. Among the keynote addresses and guest speakers, I presented alongside:
Keynote Address:
– Helmut Karewa Modlik (Ngāti Toa): “Mauri Ora – A vision for enhanced wellbeing, prosperity, and mana”
Guest Speakers:
– Donna Matahaere-Atariki (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Atiawa, Ngā Rauru, Ngā Ruahine, and Tuwharetoa): “Intergenerational healing: Organisations matter”
– Folasaitu Professor Julia Ioane (Pasifika, Samoan): “You’ve just got to think about your family and what kind of person you want to be” – Listening to young Pasifika people in the justice system and their families
– Jack Scalan (Samoan): “Thanks for not asking” – Samoan social work practitioners’ experiences of racism and exclusion in decision-making
– Melissa King Howell (Ngāti Maahanga, Ngāti Te Wehi, Maniapoto, and Tūhourangi) & Corin Merrick (Ngāti Whare, Waikato, Ngāti Maniapoto, and Ngāti Raukawa): “Waikato-Tainui Mokopuna Ora – Nā te Māori mō te katoa”
– Elizabeth Emere Harte (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou): “Empowering whānau with their mātauranga”
Each speaker brought a wealth of knowledge and experience, demonstrating the positive impact of their by-Māori/for-Māori approaches, many funded through their Waitangi Claims settlements.
My own korero introduced tūpuna parenting, emphasising the importance of whānau pūrākau as a source of lessons for us and our whānau. I shared an in-depth story about my Nanny and her achievements, which was well received. It was a privilege to share these stories and insights with an audience of around 80 people in the room and 300 online participants.
Presentation feedback
The symposium captured feedback after each presentation. I was humbled by the wonderful comments shared about my presentation, which underscored the impact of our kaupapa. Here are some highlights from the feedback received:
- “Elizabeth’s passion was a shining moment for the symposium. She created a space where online participants felt included by her korero.”
- “Elizabeth empowered attendees with her presentation on empowering whānau with their mātauranga, drawing inspiration from her family’s legacy and her organization’s mission.”
- “Elizabeth has this way of speaking that pulls you in and keeps you engaged. Her stories of her tupuna and matua were inspiring. Her korero on tūpuna parenting is something everyone needs to hear and share.”
- “Elizabeth’s korero was beautiful to listen to. Her vision and work show just how powerful empowering whānau with their mātauranga is.”
Acknowledgements
Ngā mihi nui to Barnardos Aotearoa, Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers and the Social Workers Registration Board for organising the event. Also special thanks to all the speakers and participants who made this event a success.
