I arrived here as a refugee from family violence and attempted murder, able to come because of Australian citizenship, born in England. I am queer, and trans, and disabled. Every step of the way in my journey to recovery, I have been welcomed and treated so kindly by Māori in my new community, and I am committed to doing all I can to honor that kindness and the true spirit and text of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, as it was intended in the te reo Māori text. My people caused and still cause immeasurable harm, and while I cannot undo that harm, I do not want to contribute, and will fight to dismantle the systems that perpetuate it wherever I can.
I've been here nearly three years now. I am mostly bedbound as a consequence of disability, and do not go outside as a result. I am isolated in this way from making tangible social connections.
By being able to take part in this, I feel connection, even just for an hour. It is my hope that I will be able to participate non-digitally, next time or whenever the pandemic is over.
Tēnā koutou!
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