Councillor's Comment - Matty Anderson
Fakaalofa atu.
Alofa is love in Niuean – that is hello in my language. I arrived in Nelson nine years ago and it was a bit of a culture shock. I won’t lie, the stories that I heard about it being very “not brown” were spot on.
I just couldn’t find brown people. I’d see them at some particular festivals but not really integrated into what was my first year of Nelson. It was very frustrating. I had to find out where they were hiding. I found some outside churches, sports fields, marae and in some of my favourite suburbs.
What have I learnt? It is about safe spaces. So how do we make these safe spaces? Well, with anything that works. It’s usually a community-led response. Awesome people doing awesome things. I am in a very privileged position as a Nelson City Councillor to advocate, support, nudge and celebrate these champions. Recently, we were able to announce the Chin Garden is going ahead. The relief and gratitude from the Chin community is not something I can describe or will ever forget. Neither will I forget the emotional response from long-time supporters and advocates. The joy and tears coming from their beautiful “not brown” faces. The nicest thing I’ve been involved in on Council.
We can also change the landscape with our art. It’s happening as we speak. Tuku 25 has kicked off and more than half of its events represent stories from other-than-European perspectives. All of our stories are important. I acknowledge and appreciate our European pioneers and adventurers but, when you see your own art or hear your songs and stories, you don’t feel like a visitor anymore. Safe space.
Last weekend, we had the Multicultural Festival at Founders Heritage Park. You will have felt the pride and absolute joy. Safe space.
I love the tuakana-teina model. It’s transactional, where we can swap roles. You learn from me and I learn from you. We are very privileged to have eight iwi and a very rich multicultural community. Opportunities to participate, connect, learn and include abound.
I feel we are heading in the right direction. I would like to see more diversity in our board rooms but, these can be very uncomfortable spaces for the right people.
To all of our allies, I love and appreciate you.
P.S. Go see UPU at the Theatre Royal on 11 April.
