Staff Hui Follow-Up on "Land of the Long White Cloud" Series

The staff hui held this morning served as a crucial follow-up to our viewing of the series "Land of the Long White Cloud" a few weeks ago. The series delved into profound themes that are deeply intertwined with our professional practice and organisational ethos. Following the viewing, staff members were divided into four groups to explore the main themes of the series, their relevance to our work, concerns raised, integration of learnings, and actions needed to address pertinent issues. The discussions were dynamic, with each group offering valuable insights into the multifaceted layers of the series.

The series resonated with various themes, including awareness, colonisation, acknowledgment, guilt, responsibility, accountability, whakapapa, identity, cultural awareness, self-awareness, trauma, education, advocacy, privilege, triggers, and partnership. These themes highlighted the complex dynamics of Aotearoa's history and its ongoing impact on individuals and communities.

Our professional practice intersects deeply with the themes explored in the series. Issues of cultural awareness, acknowledgment of historical injustices, and understanding of privilege are essential for effective engagement with diverse communities. Moreover, recognising the trauma inflicted by colonisation and advocating for indigenous rights are integral to our values and mission.

The series prompted critical questions and concerns among staff members. These included inquiries into our role in perpetuating colonial narratives, the extent of our accountability in addressing historical injustices, and the impact of our actions on marginalised communities. Additionally, concerns were raised about navigating sensitive topics such as trauma and privilege within our professional interactions.

A key takeaway from the discussions was the importance of integrating the learnings from the series into our daily work. This entails fostering ongoing education and awareness initiatives within our mission, such as workshops, courses, and seminars. Furthermore, individuals were encouraged to engage in courageous conversations to challenge entrenched perspectives and promote cultural humility in their interactions.

Staff identified several actionable steps to address the issues raised in the series. These included advocating for systemic changes within our organisation, collaborating with external agencies and institutions to promote cultural competency, and amplifying indigenous voices in decision-making processes.

Despite the enthusiasm for action, we acknowledge the potential barriers to implementing these initiatives. These include institutional resistance to change, resource constraints, and discomfort in confronting privilege and historical injustices. Overcoming these barriers will require sustained commitment, collective effort, and ongoing dialogue within the organisation.

The staff hui served as a pivotal platform for reflecting on the themes and messages of the "Land of the Long White Cloud" series and their implications for our professional practice. Moving forward, it is imperative that we translate these discussions into tangible actions that resonate beyond the confines of the hui. By embedding the learnings from the series into our daily work and mission culture, we can strive towards greater equity, inclusivity, and social justice within our community.

For those who missed any of these hui this series can be found here or on Wāhi Āwhina > Cultural Resources > Series.