In the book, Leave Your Big Boots at the Door, seventeen Pakeha discuss the history of racism against Maori in Aotearoa, and explain what they have done, and are still doing, to prevent it.
The effects of colonisation and the racism that accompanies it are seen in the lives of many Maori living in the inequitable, disadvantaged margins of society, heavily influenced by the loss of their land and cultural knowledge, and often living in poverty. The Pakeha interviewed in this book have all come to recognise how this racism blights our country, and they come from a range of occupations, including police, education, health, psychology, social services, Corrections, business, and the law. As well as each providing an historical angle on the subject, they offer positive suggestions about addressing bias, power and privilege in our country's constitutional documents, systemic racism in our institutions and organisations, and in personal ways of confronting racism. All advocate for a society in which Maori regain tino rangatiratanga (power and control) over their own lives.
This is an important and inspiring book, one that encourages Pakeha to face up to our past and embrace an optimistic future for Aotearoa.
