Although my ethnicity is samoan, my birthplace is NZ and part of my identity i believe is showing respect and gratitude to my country of birth. I respect the indigenous people, i respect the history and i am saddened that even in 2020 maori are still fighting for what is rightly theirs pre colonial times. I experience racism as a person of colour and i unite with my maori counterparts to fight against the system that has failed us. Its time to unite and speak up. All native languages is important to keep culture alive. If we dont use it (and teach it)we will lose it. I am learning more and more maori words and phrases through my work colleagues Tena koe-meeting someone for first time Ka kite-goodbye in person only (not on phone) Panui-letter Aroha mai-sorry Ma te wa-bye for now Hei kona - more appropriate bye on the phone