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Hello, Greetings and welcome to this final session of it's been a real privilege for me to be here, to hear the generous and moving sharing of stories, experiences and expertise, and [00:00:30] to witness the coming together of via and young people old and older. Some of us are and everyone in between, from the extraordinarily rich and diverse range of or programme with its range of pre conferences, plenaries and workshops, there has been so much to learn from each other the importance of strengthening ourselves, [00:01:00] how better to look after each other, acknowledging what still needs to be done and what still must be changed. Now each of us can participate according to my calculations, and only five of some 29 workshops. Um, so this is an opportunity to hear recommendations from those from all of the workshops or all of those that made recommendations. [00:01:30] And I realised that some workshops were about the sharing of experiences or particular knowledge and, um, expertise, and didn't involve recommendations. So in that case, I'd like you to hold any comments you've got till the end, because it's really important that we get the recommendations or proposals for action on the table and able to go to, um, the Oceana board tomorrow. Um, [00:02:00] and if there's time and, um, we'll try and keep it short and sharp because after full consultation and discussion, we've agreed two minute, uh, feedback from each workshop. So if you've got recommendations, so, uh, is going to be the strict timekeeper, Um, and because also, because we're very conscious, This has been an extraordinary conference, a lot packed into it, um, starting very early and going right through, [00:02:30] you know, to at the very end of the day. So everybody, there's been amazing energy, but understandably, it's wearing. So we'd like to keep it short and sharp and moving for this final session before we hand back, um, to the for the, um the so two minutes And what I thought I would do, uh, is just read out the names of the workshops as they occurred, you [00:03:00] know, three at a time. And so people could come down because then it saves, um, waiting, waiting time. Um, as people come to the microphone, but we'd like people down here. So on Thursday, the first of the workshops were working with Rainbow communities as a health professional love life for six. Um, And instead of comics and design, I think there was It was called It's gonna get better. Um, there was an alternative there, uh, bisexuality [00:03:30] research and from bisexual to soo sexual. So, actually, that's five I've read out. But if people from those workshops who've got recommendations could come to the front And, um, man, we're gonna start with you or Tommy. And just on that, we have Corey here taking notes. But if you do want to submit anything, please email us at the email on the website, which is info at dot org dot NZ We won't take two minutes. So there are recommendations, [00:04:00] and there will be emailed through to the group. So it was a wonderful session. Can we remember how many recommendations there are? The only it It was an action to maintain a connected network of health professionals from the rainbow community. That's thank you. Thank you. Thanks. [00:04:30] And do I take it in the absence of anyone else from that first list That no recommendations from those workshops? Ok, so we'll move on to, um, the afternoon session. Uh, well, that was an afternoon session But the the late afternoon session so surviving and thriving as an activist, Pacific Health and spirituality Silver Rainbow, making aged care a safe and welcoming place. [00:05:00] So again we're starting with Manny and Tommy. We had a wonderful workshop. It was all recorded, Um, which will go into a narrative. But we didn't come out with a collective statement other than the importance of looking after ourselves and the fact that as a community we're very good at looking after other people and not usually very good at looking after ourselves. So that's an area that's really important. [00:05:30] And I think everyone said, um, we need to do more work in this area. But but again, that will form. Um, not a formal recommendation. But there's information for the community. So again, thank you. OK, so then, in the next two that afternoon, with the women's, how to build communities through activism and creating queer friendly school cultures, Uh, [00:06:00] I'm not sure who was here for the Silver Rand session, but it wasn't really a, um uh, recommendation discussion. There's a need to look at ways to, um, uh, improve the policy framework, um, to get a mansion built in the aged care sector, which would have been more inclusive. Thanks for that. Uh, um, Sarah, um, we get I guess the [00:06:30] main thing that we would get them to send back to the committee would be for the, um, to advocate more for LGBTI Q peoples as on on the most vulnerable groups in refugee situations. And there will be an explicit priority in refugee policy. The LGBT Q needs to be considered in refugee situations. People of a particular country may not be at risk to return to their funding. The GB ITQ people. So [00:07:00] thank you. Thank you. And I think it's, um, you know, very timely because, uh, those of you who are, uh, who live in New Zealand will know that the government is just in the process of continuing of considering, uh, whether to, uh, increase the refugee quota. And so, um, it's really important to keep the issues before them. Uh, and to ensure that in fact, they do. There is [00:07:30] a focus on the most vulnerable of refugees. Um, and that New Zealand makes a welcoming and supportive place for them. OK, so and no nobody from the creating queer friendly schools culture because I know there's lots of terrific work being done in that area. No recommendations. OK, so I think one of the two facilitators were congratulated. [00:08:00] It was essentially the expenses being funded by PP A for them to work after school that, um, the efforts must continue, which PPD a has already been doing on trying to get their programme funded. Happened during the day during the school day, the secondary schools and also tertiary institutions, particularly the universities, colleges of education. [00:08:30] I was a participant there, but that was one of the OK, so that's a very clear recommendation. Thank you. Um, so today, coming to today and this morning's workshops, the first three were the Pacific Human Rights Conference Outcomes, the out of work and Queer Life drawing making ourselves visible. So have we got [00:09:00] any recommendations from the Pacific Human Rights Conference outcomes or that sort of more reporting about what had happened? Um, yes. There's more discussion on what had happened. Um, well, there was a call for for, um, aid from Australia, New Zealand to assist in in, um, technical expertise in in doing, uh, proposals [00:09:30] for funding to fund our projects. so that that was a recommendation. Thanks for that. Um, out of work. There would be no recommendations from out of work. Uh, queer life drawing, making ourselves visible Rainbow communities and sex work. I don't I went to I don't think there was any recommendations from that. Some good information, though [00:10:00] That was a small workshop. There were four participants, as I understand from talking to the, um, workshop leader at Sorry. There was a small workshop, as I understand it. So there may not be anyone here that could actually report on that The workshop leader had to leave, uh, after the session. OK, so then we've got Don't leave out the eye into sex issues in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, and I understand that [00:10:30] this was a remarkable first the first time there's been an Intersect Pacific workshop, Um, at any such conference. So it's a wonderful, um, occasion. So I've been pleased with everybody to not leave out of the eye, and I'm gonna give everyone a chance to quickly say something. So we just discussed that the fertility issues for a lot of us [00:11:00] is a problem. And also I want to say that I am a trans intersex woman. Hi, I'm Delia. I am a sex woman and I am C CIS gender. Hi, I'm Alex. I'm a non-binary trans woman. Why? To say trans trans person. It's been a long day. Um and I'm into sex. And we also [00:11:30] just wanted to give visibility that some of us are male identified as well. And we have Ryan here. He's pointing out intersects as as common as redheaded naturally born people. And our list will just be able to start it before the bell rings. Well, I think we've given how we're going. We can give you a little bit of extra time. And I think this is such a historic moment. It would be good to hear the whole thing. Diversity educations. Um, so these are our recommendations? [00:12:00] Um, First is diversity education specifically around intersects for healthcare professionals. Next, diversity education specifically around intersex for media. Thirdly, inclusion of intersex content and voices at all conferences. That's rainbow conferences. Four. Take responsibility for your, um educating yourself. Don't and don't tokenize five be a responsible ally sex. Um being invisible like [00:12:30] intersex being visible, sharing narratives, defining differences between trends and intersex experiences. Seven intersex people are a rainbow within the rainbow. We also are across the rainbow so intersects people are in each of those different identities within the rainbow and also outside of the rainbow. So it includes cisgender and, um, heterosexual people, too. Um, lobby for global change, which is around informed consent, human rights [00:13:00] and restricted surgery. Nine. what legislation is appropriate? And so things such as the Malta model 10, no one has the right to tell us who we are. So self determination and body autonomy, um 11 outreach for support and accessibility to peer based networks. So making sure that people have access to their communities. Um, 12 intersex people don't need to justify themselves or explain themselves to others. [00:13:30] Um, and that includes our community, um 13. Equal access to fertility and adoption support. Um, 14 accessible health care, medical, surgical and mental health. 15 address. Um, medical normalising surgery. Stop doing it. No. And also acknowledging [00:14:00] that access to appropriate health care is a lifelong need is, um, across adulthood and old age? Um, 16. We are not sick. This is not a pathology. Um, and 17 is about recognising that hyperspeed is also an intersex condition because the medical organisations don't necessarily do that. Thank you. [00:14:30] I think that's a very, very special moment. And definitely one of the highlights of this wonderful conference and who have I know, climate change and the LGBTI community to, um I was asked to give the feedback from the sweatshop because both facilitators have [00:15:00] childcare responsibilities this afternoon. Um, first, uh, the workshop would like to, um acknowledge that, um that we regretted that due to the workshops, um, timing with others there were no Pacific representatives in our workshop and that our proposals would have been richer with their perspective. Uh, we had a wide ranging conversation about the climate change issues. [00:15:30] Um, we identified that the wide range of potential responses we could make could be attached to a framework from personal through national, regional and global. Um, and many of these responses are not LGBTI Q, uh specific, for example, personal responses that we discussed, like recycling, reducing carbon footprint sector, but that there [00:16:00] are some that are specific. Um, we have some recommendations for at, um firstly, at the world level. Our first proposal is that uber develops or promotes LGBT IQ guidelines to all states and organisations providing support for refugees and asylum seekers. These [00:16:30] guidelines would be about maintaining safety for individuals. It would include outlining the practical needs of the variety of our communities, specific supplies, for instance needed in those situations, specific health needs and specific issues of identity papers. Our second recommendation at a world level is to ensure [00:17:00] that international disaster responses include specific NGO NGO S with an LGBTI focus to prioritise the safety of our vulnerable community and, um, international disaster situations. We have some proposals for Ilka Oceania. Uh, firstly, we invite Pacific LGBTI [00:17:30] Q communities to tell us what would assist them in response to climate change so that we can help support you in the ways that you prioritise. Um, and the second question for ocean. How can we support existing LGBTI groups already doing work in situ? Um, there was, uh, uh individuals in our group. It was sort [00:18:00] of a really diverse group of people with uh a a great lot of information and expertise. And, um, it was just great to hear some of the information. Um, and that would be more widely distributed, Uh, that would be great. And thirdly, at the national and local level in New Zealand. Firstly, we would want to work to ensure policies and plans for disaster response. Mitigation and [00:18:30] recovery are inclusive of LGBT needs. And, um, if climate change sadly does lead to displacement of Pacific communities to New Zealand, we would want to work to ensure strategies and plans for receiving displaced people with dignity in New Zealand, and that these strategies and plans are inclusive of the needs of LGBTI. People [00:19:00] central to maintaining the dignity of displacement, be empowering them to make their own decisions crazy. You didn't tell us your name. It's particularly, um, significant to have that [00:19:30] set of recommendations when pro climate change impacts on human rights, every aspect of human rights, of people in the Pacific as well as beyond. And, um and we need to be, you know, focusing on ensuring that any response to human to climate change is fully fully takes account of the human rights of those communities most affected by it. So thank you very [00:20:00] much for those those this afternoon, the first set of workshops were talking about informed consent and bodily autonomy for trans intersex and gender. Nonconforming people. A refugee among refugees sharing the life of an activist and an open transgender person Male to female in a country that's so rich in culture and religion. Um, which was Yeah. So those are the three. Did any of those groups [00:20:30] have recommendations? Come on down Very short. And it was already mentioned by third persons regarding refugees. Uh, that we must support refugees in their journey of country of any specific countries of transit. And as we we know what's happening in Nauru and Papua New Guinea with the refugees that are being sent from Australia and they are now living in in in in refugee camps. And we know how, uh, [00:21:00] LGBTI people is quite, uh, vulnerable to this kind of environment and confinement and becoming refugees among refugees that we also must integrate and educate refugee, uh, related groups at the Red Cross and other groups to be educated in issues so they can give proper support to asylum seekers and refugees. And finally, that this is for New Zealand. And I hope it can be done that New Zealand should allocate a specific percentage [00:21:30] of their refugee quota to LGBTI. Yeah, and I and it's it would be very timely to have, As I said earlier, the refugee related recommendations. If the bill goes here on board, um, adopts them tomorrow, actually conveyed to the appropriate authorities. Um, you know, in the near future, I mean, one of the but rather [00:22:00] disturbing things at the moment is that there is an allocation for people with disabilities in the current quota. But apparently, uh, from figures I've seen, we haven't been anywhere near filling it. And it's a very modest, um, like it's 10% or something. It's And yet we're not even able to, you know, we're not fulfilling those. So we do need to pay attention to this issue, which is often out of sight, and, [00:22:30] um and and really engage with people who come as refugees, you know, as part of being and demonstrating a genuinely open and inclusive and welcoming society. OK, I mean, I would just like to acknowledge, um, Joe's Session, which I was able to sit in on how very moving and, um, honest and informative. It was. And, [00:23:00] um, we also had the privilege of a beautiful song at the end. So it was pretty special. Um, the next three suicide issues confronting, uh told from a perspective findings from the power of hope for indigenous suicide prevention study using a norm challenging approach to support gender and sexual diversity. Years 7 to 8 and 9 to 13 and FF phobia and queer [00:23:30] Communities with Club Wellington I, education director at Rainbow Youth. And we did the normality, um, approach to sexuality and gender diversity education in schools. Um, the discussion that we had centred around, um, the, uh, centred around presenting a resource that R youth has developed in partnership. Um, with many organisations and young people nationwide to be used in New Zealand secondary schools. Um, some of the discussion that we [00:24:00] had centred around um anti-bullying initiatives that challenge bullying behaviour rather than um naming people as bullies gives us opportunity to to evaluate our own behaviours also within our communities and within our own school improvements. Um, that we are all responsible for making sure that safe that school in particular and our communities are a safe place for all of our LGBTI young people. Um, that young people deserve schools to be safe, so that they can get on and do all the other stuff that [00:24:30] they do at school. Um, as a com, even within an LGBTI community that we need to collectively challenge the norms that often disempower and isolate are young people. Um, we had a great discussion around the statistic that Jane Logan presented in her open in her address and our opening that it only for to grade 100% success rate. In any social change, all you need to do is activate 3.5% of the population. So we discussed that relation [00:25:00] to the school environment. You only need to activate 3.5% of your school population, um, to achieve radical social change. Um, we also discussed, um that homosexual law reform, which we're celebrating 30 years of, um, this year, um, was fought as a community for them for the rights of gay men. Um, that there are many other massive challenges for our community and that it's all of our community's responsibility with a particular regard to, um, intersex communities and trans communities. [00:25:30] Um, that we all need to advocate for learning environments free from prejudice and discrimination in schools and that schools that our ideal view of the world are that schools are a safe haven for all young people and that the revolution is over. So is there any other people from the other group to speak to? No. OK, [00:26:00] so, um, we're on to the last workshop sessions this afternoon, the first of which was laws and customs in relation to sexual orientation, gender identity in Oceania, reproductive justice for LGBTI Q people, intersex medicine, diversity, identity and spirituality [00:26:30] with the, uh, the Pacific One. The final recommendations, which sort of more or less seem to be endorsed, was to endorse the great work which the Pacific sexual identity groups were doing. There were 65 here. Uh, but the best chance of getting changed to the GL BT eight Laws was first of all by working through the central diversity groups of each territory. Secondly, uh, to for each territory to continue to [00:27:00] endorse the the work of the UN, um, free and equal uh, group, which is focusing on human rights with GL BT issues. And the third thing was for each territory to be working with the foreign Minister in the Pacific. Um, the annual Pacific forum in the hope of getting changes. So it was recognised that the best way of getting changes [00:27:30] was from within the territories in the UN, as opposed to other means. You got it. Thank you for that. And the last three were Kaur Outing, violence building Rainbow Communities, free of partner and sexual violence community with the evolved [00:28:00] Wellington Youth Service and the invisibility of gay people in early childhood education. Um, I, um, was one of the speakers from the community with a to you service and other youth people were involved. We didn't have any formal recommendations, but I just really wanted to acknowledge, um, all of the Chinese young people who came to our, um and we were really wanting to talk about their experiences. I think [00:28:30] one thing that really shone out of the discussion was just how many, um, with the growing and his visibility of transgender issues for lack of a bit of a word, Um, what the response has been from a lot of medical professionals and the response has largely been one of fear and uncertainty and confusion that results in the denial of treatment for trans people across the board. And so what I want to do is just recognise the true, um, just the real [00:29:00] What's the word for it? I guess without intentions. The actual courage and the endurance of young Chinese people for jumping through so many hoops to get what they need in order to be able to survive and also to honour those who haven't made it through their journey. Um, so thank you to everybody who was there. And I think some of the stuff that came out of it from our perspective was how we as professionals working within the healthcare sector, continue to hold other healthcare professionals to account [00:29:30] for arbitrary and detrimental decisions and hopes that end up in the loss of trans lives. So I think that's something that we've got to be taking away from that. And I guess the other thing that kind of came up that we spent a lot of time talking about was the development of the trends transgender people within the health workforce. So at the moment, transgender people in the workforce, anywhere it is like something that needs to be developed. But one thing that we kind of talked about is how we [00:30:00] can be aying and supporting um, particularly young Trans people. But trans people across all ages to actually be, um, to be, um, skilled, qualified, supported to be able to do this work themselves because they actually have a lot of the knowledge there, and that's really important. So how we as professionals can be breaking down those barriers to making sure that they, um, they take place? It gives trans people a job, and it gives trans people coming through the support to be able to do, um, that journey adequately. So thank you. [00:30:30] Thank you very much for that. And the unit's highlighting what I observed in a number of the workshops that they really were about people thinking about what they could do individually, where they were in their own communities, workplaces, families to make a difference. And, um, that is equally as important [00:31:00] as what can be done collectively to impact on change. So thank you very much for that. Now we've got time to what's Oh, yes, yes, I just think three things on my list now. Recommendations from the Trans pre Conference, then the Youth pre Conference and the women's pre conference. So are there any [00:31:30] OK? Well, can you? Oh, there you go. Great. I mean, I think it's really wonderful if we can all hear them as well. But if for whatever reason, technology or other things we can't, then there's always the second best. Yeah, I should never sit in the front of the, um so these are the notes. I'm going to read [00:32:00] on the notes. Um, during a conference, we had a discussion about the health. Here are some of the key points one. We need better pathways of care for both trans and under sex people. Two, we need people think to remove the people who also have distinct health needs. Three. We need education about diversity of sexes, genders and all health officials. For we, we need [00:32:30] to look at their bases that are currently providing competent services. These can guide us in the creation of other services and pathways. Five. We need more education as an example, because I think for an example of that is New Zealand based organisations such as Sorry, um, about HIV within our communities, especially trans women and people who do not identify as men who have sex with men. Um that was all Because the rest of us, [00:33:00] if you want to cover, But I will email that to you. Correct? One of the panels, We're the ones. The two panels. I will I will share the notes on my email. Is this is this only movement? I think those are the front of the just from the house, just OK. And we can open up if people if there are [00:33:30] particular recommendations that haven't been mentioned that people want to add. You're welcome to do that. People in the audience. OK, do it at the end, though. Yeah, Let let's just run through each each of them. OK, Ok, so the youth pre conference. And, um, I'll keep it brief because I've spoken a little bit too much. Probably. But, um, just the one recommendation would be having a stronger you voice. Um, I'm [00:34:00] gonna go and learn. Sorry that no one on the board at the moment is under 25 which I think is quite shocking, to say the least, because most of us who have some of the biggest issues are young people. So that would be all I would suggest for stronger use voices. Thanks for that in the women's pre conference? No, no recommendations for this. [00:34:30] I said. I argue unsuccessfully to have, um, youth representation and our Constitution, and we must have voted to do it this time around. But rest assured that our next, um, and mainland will include youth voice and, um, indigenous representation, both in New Zealand and Australia. So thank you. So now I'm throwing it open to [00:35:00] all of you. I think one of the wonderful things about this conference has been the extent to which many diverse voices have been heard. So, as I said, if there's any recommendations from any of the workshops or the pre conferences that haven't been mentioned, that you'd like to mention or any, um, other comments or feedback from the conferences, we as from the workshops, as we heard in relation to one workshop which didn't have specific recommendations. But the feedback was rich in terms of directions. So [00:35:30] yeah, Hi. Um, this is just a general recommendation from a few of the workshops about the need for inclusive language that reflects our communities. Um, and we've heard from different voices where the LGBTI Q is not fully inclusive of Pacific identities and that when we hear lesbian and gay and leave out bisexual, [00:36:00] that makes a difference to the conversation. They not, um, including intersexual transgender people in the discussion, and leaving them out means that there is a switch on, so as role models. The recommendation would be that Elga, Oceania and Elga world do audit and review their own language to ensure the most inclusive approaches. And if there's not a simple solution, work for people to do that. Because if, [00:36:30] um, Elga and Oceania are being resources to be used by people that need to be role models and make sure those resources are useful is this one? No, this does that, um, this is a communication from the conference that has been, um, developed by a number of people. [00:37:00] So I will present that to the committee pushing the committee that this conference requests the New Zealand government and Parliament to amend the Human Rights Act to include gender identity, gender expression and intersex state status. But the wording has additional grounds for unlawful discrimination. Of course, there's not any clap at the end. It's got principles that the ocean [00:37:30] a GM consider adopting the same motion and assisting the confidence of placing this request before the New Zealand government. New Zealand parliament uh, the outstanding issues are one in this ruling has not been tested in the courts of New Zealand, and so people have no confidence that natural two. Because the provisions are not specified in the legislation, people are not aware that the rights are upheld by the current provision. Three. Because the provisions are not specified in the legislation, people who are trying to assert [00:38:00] their rights are not able to highlight that their rights are protected by the current provision. Four. Because of these matters, people are not encouraged to assert their rights. Five. It's highly unlikely that the current provisions, even under the crown, it applies to issues of gender expression, primary or secondary sex characteristics and bodily integrity of autonomy. It, [00:38:30] uh, this has been mentioned the reproductive, uh, justice we shop and something that came out of. That was just the, uh, lack of conversations that are happening in terms of the huge amounts of, um, barriers and discrimination for the queer community with regards to reproductive justice. So I think having more conversations and, um seeing some action [00:39:00] happening in this area would be amazing. Sorry. Sorry. Could you, for my benefit, to make sure I get it right when you say reproductive justice, are we talking adoption, IVF, surrogacy, abortion, all of that. OK, I just want to make sure I've got those, because otherwise [00:39:30] you get misinterpreted. Thank you. And I want to add another one to the one. Um, we also, um there is many intersex people that they're born is sterile. So we also want to find assistance in getting, you know, our our right to have a family and maybe our right to have a genetic footprint. And so it's something that we were discussing as well. So it's more. It's not just I idea more. What options? What are options? Fine. I just wanted to do a huge acknowledgement of the [00:40:00] hard work that Bella and Alex, the young people in the organising committee, have put into this conference. Thank is what they've done and what they've given is incredible. And they deserve the ground of We're very proud inside out to have them and for them to have done this. Um, but also there's been talk about this being our future and stuff. But there are so little young people at this conference. I know there were constraints in terms of the timing and the funding, but [00:40:30] we need to make sure young people here there should have been scholarships for young people. There should have been more effort to do that. And so for future conferences. And I guess internationally as well. I would really encourage that. There is a lot of effort put into that, even if it is doing specific fundraisers to cover costs or that opportunity needs to be available. And we can't expect young people to cough up money to be able to attend things like this. Um, and on a very different note, I think as well, [00:41:00] um, just the kind of issues around sexual violence and intimate partner violence in our communities need to be being talked about and need to be put in these recommendations as well that actually we all need to start talking about that and working towards solutions, because I know Joey wasn't here and I wasn't had, um, their presentation. But just at our friends, [00:41:30] who a huge part of our focus, were on issues of self determination, bodily autonomy, and they're fundamental to all. So many of the issues that are are vital for us. That that was the frame with why legal gender recognition on our birth certificates is really important, even though most of us can still change our passport because it is about us being able to define who we are and not having to have a judge say that's who you are not having to have a medical professional [00:42:00] say who you are. It comes back to self determination, self identity. It also flows through flows through so strongly into our access to health care. And, you know, I'm very excited about the potential we have in the health sector right now because there are so many staunch youth advocates who are really standing up for their rights, even though they know there's a script that they have to say to be able to give access to services. But they're refusing to say, Well, just stick to that script and [00:42:30] they are saying this is who I am and I need health services too, So we really, really, really need to ensure we have an informed consent approach to access to health services where people get health services they need based on their self defined gender identity as it is there anyone, anyone else [00:43:00] who would like to add a comment or articulate a recommendation that didn't quite come out like that in a workshop, but whose spirit was there? I just confirmed with joy to confirm this. Earlier in the conference, Louisa Wall talked about the proposal that the Pacific Island Forum should be encouraged to develop a human rights framework for the Pacific. I just want to seek clarification whether the conference is happy to [00:43:30] include that in the recommendations. Yeah, um, going away the decisions that we've made at this conference, we're not gonna ask us that. And you guys yes, I'm quite happy with that. I think we do all and thank you. [00:44:00] Thanks, man. Yeah, so I think that's that's it. I'll just, um Oh, it's not it. It was read out, but was it OK? So one workshop. So there was a workshop earlier on, um, by the love life, um, people And [00:44:30] I think they've gone now, um, Tim and, um and and over here but the the the the overwhelming message was that, um in in in world and this conference support the work of love life within New Zealand within the Pacific communities in New Zealand and not just in the Auckland region, but try and move down to Wellington and down to the South Island and and and reach out to to to bring those Pacific communities [00:45:00] in New Zealand into the love life framework. Thank you. OK, well, before I hand over to, um to Richard and Elizabeth for the, um just a couple of observations. Uh, and the first one is that the composition of this conference and the fact that it was able to have such a strong, [00:45:30] uh, delegation from the Pacific has been extremely important in reminding those of us who live here in a that actually we all are. We all live on the shores of the great Pacific Ocean and that ocean links us to each other in fact, and while in the past many New Zealanders [00:46:00] are many New Zealanders who are pakeha may have felt that they were European. There are many now like me who don't feel at all Europeans but feel But no, I'm a child of the Pacific and that will continue to evolve and thanks to incredibly generous, uh, gradually, [00:46:30] the thread of, um, Maori is beginning to go beyond, um, Maori communities and into all of our communities and in fact helping to build a true national identity for us here. So and and which is as Pacific Islanders, um, and then as New Zealanders who are privileged to share, um, this land [00:47:00] with. So I think that's been one of the very rich and important elements and out of that. And I think we saw a demonstration of that just now, um, and also in, um, Jack Burden's words about being able to make decisions for us. So I think a very important human rights principle is that no matter how well intentioned, we don't tell people what their priorities should be or what's right for [00:47:30] them or what they need to do. Um, what we need to to develop is the ability to listen, to hear, to ask, and then to support the priorities of those people who are directly affected, directly affected, directly involved those people on the ground. And nowhere is that more important, um, than in the Pacific, where, as you can see as you've been able to see over the last three days. Um, there are people who know exactly [00:48:00] what's required for them and their communities and how to get there. And we need to hear that and then ask, Well, what can we do to support you in that? Um So I think that's, you know, a critical. That's one of the things that's that's really hit me strongly. The second thing was, um and I know we've just heard a comment, but there weren't a lot of young people here, but they were incredibly strong and confident and visible. Young people here, [00:48:30] and I think for many of us that's given great hope for the future and a fresh and energy and young perspectives. And, you know, there's been the occasional comment to me. But, um, you know, don't they know all the stuff that went before? And actually it made me think of myself at that age, as a, you know, seemed way radical socialist feminist who didn't think anything great much had been done before. We [00:49:00] were suddenly on the on the, you know, on the screen as it were, and uh, took a little while to learn just how much other people had done that we were we were building on and how fortunate we were that they had. But the future is with those young people. And again, I think, listening to them hearing their identification of priorities and what that what support they need. I mean, the issues, you know, that have come through, and I'm not going to repeat them. Um, but [00:49:30] clearly, health issues around health has been an absolute priority, and the other one has been education. But in both instances, what we've seen and heard is that there are things happening. So it's not like 10 years ago when things were often, often nothing was happening. And the question was how to get a foot in the door, how to begin things. So there are things happening, but there is a need to increase the intensity of that process of change. And so another [00:50:00] generation of young people don't need to go through it. Um, again. And the probably the final thing I wanted to say was that, um, as somebody who you know for whom the human rights framework, the human rights standards, you know, seem to me still, however, perfect to offer the best, um, basis on for which on which [00:50:30] we can tease out the really complex and difficult issues that we face, um, as a whole world, but also in our individual circumstances that it's really important to remember. I know that often in the past, uh, those human rights standards have been presented as a sort of Western answer to a whole lot of issues. Um, in fact, of course, they draw on all of the great religions, philosophies [00:51:00] of the past of the world. They were simply an articulation of what was there. And I know, um, you know, amongst work that I've seen in Maori communities really clear the human rights dimensions of and and and I know that that's equally true of Pacific coaches and [00:51:30] human rights are not just about the individual, the right to culture. And you can't have culture with our communities, the right to language. Indeed, virtually every one of the human rights depends on the community and on how we work with each other. So I think, and one of the wonderful things about, um, the declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples is that that has articulated that collective element that collective, um, dimension [00:52:00] of human rights and put at risk forever the idea that it's only about individuals when it's actually about peoples and communities and groups as well. So once again, as I hand over, I'd just like to, um, acknowledge, um, Kevin, um, and all of this organising committee, because you have done the most amazing job, and I'm, you know, an old hand [00:52:30] of conferences and going way back. And this has been a really, exceptionally important, constructive and productive conference. And so I wish you all well, and I just want to close. Um, with, um, this is this is a blessing that was written by Sir James the of from the North. And it goes, [00:53:00] may the calm be widespread. May the ocean glisten as Greenstone And may the shimmer of light ever dance across the pathway. And listen, thank [00:53:30] you very much. Um, we feel very pleased that you have come to this conference to be our weaver, to hold this to bring your mana. And once again, I want to acknowledge the huge piece of work that you did and creating to be who I am and sitting up there with our thank you so much. And I know it was difficult for you to come down here, so thank you. And on behalf of all of us, um, [00:54:00] I, I I'm handing over to Richard and Elizabeth, and I want to apologise to you both that I have a flight catch with a member of the Who is not well in Auckland. I mean, thank you. Thank um, first [00:54:30] and foremost, I'd like to offer apologies from Kevin, uh, who ordinarily would be leading this, um, part of the proceedings on behalf of the home people, including the organising committee. He's, um, tended his apologies, and he's asked me if I can support the organising committee. Um, by opening this process and by helping us all to close the conference, a number of things will need to happen for [00:55:00] that to take place. Um, the process that we're about to undertake is called by various names across the different tribal traditions in the Maori world is one of those, but it's not universal is another one and which all all talk about processes of closing a farewell and the final greetings. It's the compliment to the opening and first engagement process of the or the that we were offered on Wednesday evening [00:55:30] by the home people down at the The final reporting and evaluative feedback process on the content of the conference has already been carried out by the process that Roland has just led. So this next process is about acknowledging the organisations responsible for bringing us together, acknowledging the hospitality that's been offered and received, paying respects to the expertise that's been present and freely shared and carrying out the process of finding disengagement. [00:56:00] It's a process that, in the Maori tradition, is initiated by the people who are about to leave the people who have been hosted. And so in the interests of keeping this to a manageable time. Because we know that everyone's pretty conferenced out. However great it's been, um, Elizabeth is going to lead this, uh, on your behalf. [00:56:30] Uh, welcome. All of the stayers still here in the room, uh, to all of those who now will leave our shores and travel right to the other side of the world throughout the Pacific. Uh, throughout this country and just down the road on your behalf, I want to thank our organisers and I want to do it in a way. Last night, when I spoke about [00:57:00] a Maori framework for health, we talked about the and the four sides of that is our It's our spirituality and our connectedness to all things. And I want to just acknowledge that although you only had three months to do this, you have pulled together something magic. And I believe that part of the way that you are able to do that is because of the and your own Selves that you bought. You brought with you all of your existing connections inside the community, all of your wisdom, [00:57:30] all of your own knowledge. And you brought that into a space, and in a really short period of time, we'll be able to create this. So I want to acknowledge all of that side of what you did and, of course, and creating the space you gave a place where our wait, wait could come and connect in with the of all the other people who were here. So thank you. The second one pretty. So the second one of four, is is [00:58:00] about our mind and our mental state. You have provided us with a range of workshops that have stimulated us, made us think. And not only that, but in the breaks in the when we miss the workshop and talked out the back, uh, separately that all of those things have helped not only give us something to learn but actually settled our minds, put our minds at ease, made us think about solutions and where we will go into the future. Help us, um, create [00:58:30] connections as we move forward. And I thank you for that. The third one is it's about our bodies. So there's the real practical side of that is the great catering food. I I'm gonna speak on behalf of many people. The food was great, uh, but also the actual things that all of us could be here and all of our glory in whatever way that we present and the way that we express ourselves and feel safe and comfortable to do that and you create the space for that. The last thing is about, [00:59:00] and that's about our connections with our families, but also within our communities. And so in an environment like this, you provide the opportunity for us who are local and work inside this country to need work as always. But you've provided us with those international connections. And I really, really thank you for that. Uh, so in con con con final conclusion, uh, part of our culture and why we do songs is we have a saying that oratory is [00:59:30] the food of chiefs. And so the song is the relish. So it's like, Yeah, you have that, and then you have this. It just makes it better. It just finishes things off. And so I would like those of you who are at the opening on Wednesday night, Uh, we did a and I'm going to invite you to join with me to sing this just [01:00:00] one moment. And while I doing that, I would just like to say I it was by accident that I happened to be the first speaker at the Pride, um, at the Pride launch at Parliament last week and the last speaker here? Uh, that's right. Yeah, it is appropriate. Albeit that it was me in this occasion. I think it's very appropriate that is, that set the platform for everything [01:00:30] to happen and that we help bring this to a close Because we always say that, uh, our culture and as as as is of this country, that we always be empowered and be able to remind you that this is our land and that we welcome you on it. We have the power, and we maintain, um, the authority to do that and welcome you and feel well, you So So this is about us all being [01:01:00] here together. Uh, that's all about the enlightenment and new knowledge. Uh, we're here with love, and we're going out all about us being one people together and all our complexity. So let's try this. There's this technique we use in Maori songs where we just go to, which means 34, and then everyone just hits whatever note they like. I got it. OK, so to [01:01:30] 52 that work, and [01:02:00] I shall we repeat? Yeah. OK, [01:02:30] bye. Finish. You get that. [01:03:00] And, um, pick that up, and, uh, just before we do the final conclusion, uh, again representing the the farewell from the home people, uh, the conference convenor have got some concluding remarks they need to offer. Um, it's been an [01:03:30] emotional journey for all of us. Uh, I remember the opening ceremony. Looking at our team here, every single one of them had to be nice because it's just such an emotional thing for us to be able to do. We were all so tired. We were all full of love for the work that we're doing. And even just now, as we're closing, even I should have, um it's been a a bit of a journey. We've trying to get to know each other. A lot [01:04:00] of us didn't know each other at all. And, uh, for us to get together and organise this for for you has, um they come with a bit of a rough journey as well, getting to know each other. The diversity of our group, uh, comes with different types of conflicts in itself. And yet we've been able to provide you a forum where we've been able to help engage, have discussions and to develop some work streams for not only ourselves to connect you all, [01:04:30] but also for Elga, Oceania, and also Elga World. And that is something that really humbles me. Um, thank you, though I just want to add my words to that. So, um, as I said, said several times. Mad idea to bring the conference here and then to find the team to make it happen. And we were very deliberate and and wanting the organising committee to be diverse. Um and we [01:05:00] did that and it brought with it its own challenges. There was a lot of learning and listening that had to go on with the group, and I don't want to go on about that anymore. What I want to give the conference is the opportunity to thank these extraordinary people who work right through Christmas without breaks, Um, who have given up every single weekend for the last 2.5 months to bring the conference to you. I would just like everyone to stand and acknowledge [01:05:30] these guys don't need to cry anymore. Thank you, and and we want to visible two people [01:06:00] who are not here. So I will speak for Sally. No, have to go as well. So yeah, there's three members of our crew who are not with us tonight, and that's just the nature of busy people doing busy things. Look, there's a couple of other people that we just want to really thank because They recorded every session and have made their time and would really like [01:06:30] to thank Gareth on the floor. I'll just place the here. That's why that's happening. We have to acknowledge like Bella was determined that people were going to get gifts, not tiny gifts, proper gifts. And somehow she managed to shake those chocolates out of the trio. And, Bella, you've looked after us. The that [01:07:00] you have made. Sure, um that the cards, the kai that we shared so special around the force of Bella about Alex. Because Alex has also been recording our sessions. So thank you. Committee will get something. And if they haven't [01:07:30] got some already, But we are meeting up again in a couple of weeks to do to wrap up, and we'll be doing a lot. It's just that Richard, on behalf of the Human Rights Commission, we'd like to thank you as well and also for closing up our confidence. Thank you so much, Trudy. Thank you both. So the last and final one is to thank you. Because guess [01:08:00] what? You can be a conference of people. Thank you so much. That concludes our conference. Thank you. All right. No, it doesn't. People are tired. I think, Um, my idea is [01:08:30] that the formal closing is actually the portion that we're going to go through now. And, um, this is the element that I said was the counterpart to the the that was offered to you at the, uh [01:09:00] [01:09:30] [01:10:00] I'd like to thank the co convenor for their comments in response to what, uh, Elizabeth has said, uh and formal. Thanks. Just to be reiterated as we close and particularly to Oceania and to I tens for bringing this conference to A and to Wellington in particular, I'd like to give them an acknowledgement. Could you please offer that to [01:10:30] us Already been said. But thank you again to the organising committee for creating and delivering a fantastic conference at such short notice Out of the tatters of the out games. You've done an incredible job, and you must be incredibly proud of yourselves. And if you aren't, then find some of that very, very soon because you deserve all of it. I'd like to thank and acknowledge the speakers and the workshop leaders for their expertise [01:11:00] and their efforts. Um, but last and not least, uh, the world delegation the Helen, Ari and Zan for being here and for gracing us with your presence and with your expertise and your world international perspective. And it's indeed been enlightening to hear what's going on through your eyes through your lens and to take some examples from that in terms of how we forge a way forward for ourselves and our own local context. [01:11:30] By the efforts of everyone who has been mentioned, you've achieved very positive outcomes. And you've also given honour to this ancient land at sacred places and the people who have guardianship over them. And so from the home people here and these our organisers, we wish you all a safe journey back to your home towns and cities and countries. The conference's name is resto the fires. [01:12:00] When we live somewhere, we refer to that as a that is you are the people that keep those home fires burning. So when we say every blessing upon you as you go back to your places, your homes, your towns, your countries, then you're going back to your with some of the sparks that you have taken from this international diverse grouping that have brought and shared so willingly and freely of themselves [01:12:30] and of their traditions. And as you go, we ask that you carry our best wishes our to your homes, your families and your communities and just reiterating the of that that we sang. May the people [01:13:00] all line up together to seek enlightenment and love. Let us all join together and share everything as one. The final act of this, um farewell and it will be The final act is the to close the whole conference. I'm going to give you the English translation first, and then I I'll ask you to stand as I recite it in Maori. And then you can say to the people that are standing right next to you because you really are finished at [01:13:30] that point. So let us retreat and remove ourselves from the activities we have participated in. So we can now be free and unrestricted in mind, body and spirit on the path that we now traverse with balance, harmony and equilibrium. May we be free and clear and released. Would you please stand.
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