From some of the information that I've read I think they have some valid points. One of which is:
Because of colonisation (In my view: Primarily because of greedy right wing politicians & businessmen) whanau (families) were forced & manipulated by government to relocate (for employment purposes. Bearing in mind many Samoan were relocated from Samoa to Metroplitan NZ for cheap labour purposes) from rural communities (that are within their hapu/marae (tribal communities) vicinities) to the urban environment.
Thus alienating them from their tribal roots & cultural identity.
I think the relocation caused many maori big problems (as they did with the Samoan people) in terms of interaction & assimilating into a more colonial styled & alien culture.
Sadly for some of the above reasons many of them turned to the vices of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, domestic violence & neglect of spouse & family. A great recipe for & the spawning of gang members & criminals, not excluding the illegal & immoral activities that they engage in.
From memory the govt introduced legislation or policies stipulating that maori (probably other ethnic communities were affected too) had to upgrade their housing standards. The excuse given was for health reasons.
This meant they were no longer permitted to live (like they had for 100's of years) in dirt floor housing or accomodation.
I think that most maori who have weathered the colonial onslaught including those that have passed on, have had & or still have Christ Jesus or some christian influence within their lives.
Yeah I know the spiel send in the missionaries to pacify the people then the colonial govt & it's armed forces to take possession of the land & control the populace.
Bottom line, even tho we all might not agree to their (i.e) the Mongrel Mob (MM) & Black Power (which members are predominantly maori. Perhaps other maori gangs will follow suit?) Treaty Of Waitangi claims (the media has informed us that these claimants are not seeking monetary redress. I guess that remains to be seen?)
A relative has even referred to his particular gang (Black Power) as an Iwi (a maori tribe), with national membership numbering in it's 100's if not 1000's, irrespective of it/them not been a traditional Iwi I guess that's a hard one to dispute. On that basis I feel compelled to concur.
It'll be interesting to find out, what the actual content of their claim is?
Anyway been an ex gang member (MM) I'm of the firm belief that the best thing that these bros (in fact anyone) can do for themselves, their partners, their familiess, their communities & their country is to feel the power of the Lord working within their lives. What a great & beautiful blessing that would be.
Praise God.
Patu
P.S I'd appreciate other thoughts & views concerning this matter. Thanx in advance.
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