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So my name is Jay Monroe. Uh, my Maori name is And where are you from? I am from which is the Thames Kraal coast? A little place called Mana. Um, so that's on my father's father's side. And on my father's mother's side. Um, I am from which is 45 minutes. Drive, uh, just before 90 mile beach on my [00:00:30] mother's side. Her father is Irish and her mother is Scottish. Um, what does the word mean to you? Hm? Good question to me means the two aspects of me becoming one. So there's the which is the Maori side. And then there's the for want of a better word, the rainbow side of me. So, [00:01:00] um, collaborates those two energies or those two cultures? Those two, sometimes thought processes or actions or choices, um, communities together. And it becomes that identity for me. And I can stand in that proudly as Maori as a woman, as um and know [00:01:30] that that is who is who I am. And that's how I can define it in the wider sense and then for me personally, Yeah, and how are you finding the oh fabulous. It's It's been challenging because, uh, for those that don't know me, I'm the secretary of the executive committee. So it's taken us a year to get this the planning done and and get to this point. And it's just flowed so well, [00:02:00] so well, the feedback from our community just all the way through has been positive. Um, I'm in the middle of it, so I can't really see on the outside to see how well it's going. Um, but I judge it by the that's come back and the smiling faces every morning that I see and the smiling faces they go to bed every night. Um, and the good food that is given to our our minds, our bodies, um, and our souls for this whole time. So, yeah, I believe it's been fantastic. [00:02:30] What will you take away from Hoak? What if I learn? What do I take away? What will I take away? I think Oh, man, there's just so many. You can't pick one. That's just that's not fair. Um, OK. And short, Lots, lots. Um, key [00:03:00] stuff would be, um, always remember to respect the smallest bit of help to the largest bit of help, irrespective of who it's come from, where it's come from, how it's come, whether it's come in the way that you anticipated it to or not. It's been given in the way that you anticipated or not pay respect to those that have gifted of themselves to the always remember that Always, always, always, always remember that, Yeah, that's the first thing. The first major [00:03:30] thing I'll take away The second is that diversity comes with, uh, which is, um, English word the challenges and that, um, while we celebrate diversity, also acknowledge those challenges, and those challenges can be good. Um, can push us past our our our knowing past our boundaries, and just to explore another perspective, no one says you have to accept it. No [00:04:00] one says you have to agree with it, but you just hear it and just take that on. As for your own self, mull it over and see what it means from another person's perspective. So while empowers and encourages celebration, I want to empower and encourage challenge and to because that's a healthy thing for us to stretch ourselves and each other and still come together with that sense of, um, respect, acknowledgment and love. Most importantly, [00:04:30] yeah. Um, can you tell me your name, age and where you're from? My name is Singer Art, and I'm from South Auckland and I'm 17 years old. How's the week been for you? Oh, amazing. It's Is that, like, this whole thing? Oh, that's, um it's been good meeting people that the same as us, like the same community. And it's good to be around like people that respect you. Not from like where I'm from. [00:05:00] Like, Yeah, I like everyone. I like meeting new people. Yeah. What will you take away from it? Can I say everyone? Yeah. Everyone, everyone. What's your highlight? Been, hm? Meeting everyone. And last night when everyone got ready, went out to watch the performances. Yeah. What does the word Takata mean to you? Um, [00:05:30] to me, it means a community. A family. Pretty much. How's the been for you? Um, good. Coming to, um, something like this as a straight person was allowed me to extend my open mindedness even further than it was already. Um, And to be able to give the [00:06:00] opportunity to be here and be a part of this, Um, yeah, it was awesome. um, very educating for them and eye opening. Um, because they thought, you know, that I would say that I work. They thought that they were the only ones out there, um, and that they were going through this alone. But actually, they're not, um, And to be able to talk to people who have been there before, done this and see them come this far. Um, it [00:06:30] was amazing for the, um What would you take away from it? Um, the board of relationships with people? Um, yeah, that, um yeah, pretty much, you know, coming here, expecting or not knowing what to expect, actually. And being able to walk away with friends, um, that you can connect closely with because they're related [00:07:00] to you or or because you have similar interests, as is really cool. Um, what's your highlight? Been probably just getting together as one and jamming songs, any songs, whatever, and to be able to see people of other ethnicities, um, who have never done it before. Get in there in the front and know, um, some of the Maori anthems by the end of the awesome [00:07:30] I'm Jono, 24 and from a, um what does the word mean to you? Um, it's kind of changed over the course of really, um, coming here was like a word that described a multitude of Maori sexualities and gender identities. But, um, [00:08:00] after a few conversations with some of the here, now, it's kind of like it's, um for me, it's those who identify as so you might not actually be, um you might not have Maori, but you still can identify as by being part of the community. So, um, one of the said to me last night that actually was I born here? Yep. Then you you you're here at [00:08:30] therefore you because you're a New Zealander and, um, you're getting involved with the side of of the rainbow Communities. So it's kind of a lot more complex than I thought it was. So I think Well, I think at the moment I'm just going through a little bit of a how then does do you define, um, how's the been for you? Who's been great? Um, [00:09:00] I. I love coming to to places and spaces that are not about just learning, but learning through ways that my, my people in my community learn. So through talking with people and networking and, um, just sitting around and having someone speak to a topic as opposed to, actually, um, having to [00:09:30] do actual study or having to sit there and have someone talk at you or someone talking with you. What's your highlight? Bring? Highlight. Um, the food was a highlight. Definitely. Um, no, I guess for me, my highlight has been just those little conversations with, um, people from all around the, um, hearing people's experience, especially some of the because, um, [00:10:00] as we saw in the presentation that IC, um did on in regards to the book that they're writing, Um, you have to start talking to our our, um, our old people, because that's where they've got so much knowledge and so much experience that will go when they go. What will you take away? Quite a lot of things. Really. Um, I guess for me, the biggest thing [00:10:30] taking away is this the sense that this community is a lot stronger then I think even they think they are. Um And I look forward to seeing what happens with that, uh, with some of the, um that were put down here to the community in regards to, um the and, um in regards to some of the [00:11:00] the issues that are sitting there that need to be dealt with that I hope people actually pick them up and start active. Activating? Yeah. Activating is the right word. Um, some of the action action. Some of those things. Can you tell me your name and where you're from? My name is Mark Sykes, and I'm from W or Wellington and up here for the lovely We just said, What does Takata mean to you? Well, especially [00:11:30] being Maori means to me a identification as a, um, person. Uh, secondly, as a gay and, um is is a good word because it embraces everyone and able to be carried through in any or any ideas that we can take from this. So how has the been for you? It's been a great experience. It's my first one. It's my first one. And so, um, I've really it's really opened my eyes. I did enjoy the presentation by the different people. Giving these stories [00:12:00] is I think it's important for our young to hear those stories because if they're struggling like we did when we were younger then it makes the journey worthwhile at the end of the day. So it's been a great It's been a great experience, and I really love the input of the, um and getting everyone to join them. So that's been really great. What will you take away from the? Well, actually, we were discussing that this morning I'd take away two things, which means we're a family. [00:12:30] We're all one. Even though we come from diverse backgrounds, when you come together in a like this, you become one family. And I see here some of the struggles that go on for people, um, especially transitioning into different lifestyles. And, um, I think you know, that's what I'm going to take away from. It is that is the fact that we can support each other, and that's what means. And that's what I'm going to take away from here. Um, could you tell me your name and where you're from? [00:13:00] OK, my name is Fati. I'm 26 and I'm from originally from Hoka. But living in Auckland at the moment. What does the word Taku mean to you? It means, um, having an identity. Um, being a part of a collective, Um, it means it means love. It means which is just like they've been connected with everybody. The been for you. The has been absolutely [00:13:30] amazing. The people are fabulous. The hospitality from, um the people of has been awesome, too. Um, what's your highlight Been, Um, the highlight would have to be the discussions. Um, and amongst the various groups of, um and just, you know, hearing everybody's thoughts and, um, being a little bit more aware about, um, you know, the issues and just having that dialogue has been awesome, too. So [00:14:00] I've learned so much. That would be the highlight. What will you take away from the, um, a sense of pride? Um, yeah. Just, um the the friendship. The, um the as I said before, um, the networks and just, um yeah, the, um can you tell me your name, age and where you're from? Uh, David Jones. I'm 40 I'm from in the Waikato. Um, what does [00:14:30] mean to you, uh, specifically, to me, it means gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, Um, queer intersex. Um, how's the been for you as an organiser, especially. I'm just really, really overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed by, um, the willingness for my, uh, really, really traditional and conservative [00:15:00] relations here at the to host it. Um, but once they understood the nature of the issue or the the the the nature of the of the actual itself, they were really sympathetic, and that's what brought them on board. It helped having the king's permission as well, because we're all subjects of our king here in the Waikato region. And so when he gave it when he gave the blessing, um, then everybody came on board, too. I'm more so absolutely overwhelmed by just the broad cross sections [00:15:30] of, um of attendees, people from all around New Zealand even further, a far as, um, as the Cook Islands with the queen of herself coming over. Um and, um beautiful um, our, um GL BT. I, um youth, um both Maori and non Maori, Um, and all of the rest of our fabulous community all coming together. And that's what I was overwhelmed [00:16:00] about. I mean, this is the apparently, this is the biggest one that's ever been. And, um, we owe it to all of those people that actually came because they they either liked the venue or they liked the different nature of this particular programme. Um, or they may not have been able to meet as often as they could have. And so I was sort of really, really humbled by by all of that. What has your highlight been? Um oh, [00:16:30] it was the, um my was some of the men doing, um, beautiful on the which had often been perceived as being the domain of, you know, the straight Maori and that sort of stuff. So that was one, But the other one was also, um uh, the show that was on last night where we had a lot of performers from around New Zealand and around the Pacific as well who had come? Um, but it's all [00:17:00] been due to, um, people's willingness to participate and contribute. Um so, um, lands Trust for all of their beautiful sponsorship. A lot of our local, um, health organisations the New Zealand New Zealand AIDS Foundation has been amazing too. And now, um gay New Zealand pride Um, what will you take away from the, um, me personally, I'll take away a deeper understanding of issues that affect, [00:17:30] um GL BT Q I communities. See before this. And the only reason why I did the is because I was told to and I So it was my aunt who's Trans who wanted it. But, um uh, because I'm a male, I had to formally do the request on behalf of her and, um the here, um and so I was a little bit anxious because, uh, although I am a Maori male, um, my own sexuality is just a small part of who I am. I'm [00:18:00] all sorts of different things and nothing at all as well. Um, so I didn't really know a lot about, um G BT Q I, um theory, um issues, organisations, health providers and all that sort of stuff and some of the issues associated with access to services and all that sort of stuff. I didn't sort of know all of that. So, um, for me, uh, being around a lot of those providers and people who are either on either side of as the health provider or as the client, um, [00:18:30] it taught me a whole lot about those sorts of things. My name is Mahi Maha. I'm 33 years old and I come from And what does mean to you, to me is more than just, um, an identity. It's it's more than just a, um it's more than just LGBT To me. Ta ta is a life. [00:19:00] It's my heart. It's my passion. It's who I am, it's it's everything. And I think, um um can be wrapped up into a wider family. It's It's another word for family. So it means a lot to me because family does mean a lot to me. And so, um, yeah, that's what means to me. How has this been for you? This has, um I've been a part [00:19:30] of the last five and helping and organising them. Um, and I have to say this one has been the biggest in regards to participants. Um, this one has been the most, Um, it has been honoured by high dignitaries of the Maori community, Um, for example, the king to doctor and the [00:20:00] Queen. So to have those people acknowledge and look at us and treat us like everyone else is a big honour. So this week has been a really, really I don't know what the words are for it, but it's been like what we haven't had one like this before. And so I believe it's been a big stepping stone. Yet we've moved from the last one, and we've moved up to the next level. And I'm looking forward to Gisborne [00:20:30] for us taking on the Ranga movement, which is really cool because it's been a I know it's been something that's been missing from the last week. So I can't wait for Gisborne because is going to be. And we're going to have to lead our lead our our oldest. Because, yeah, they've had their time and they want to sit back and relax now. So it is time to shine. Awesome. Um, what's your highlight? Been of the highlights? Highlights. [00:21:00] A highlight of the for me has been, You know, a highlight for me was having the here and now, opening the words that she gave her words of wisdom, her words of leadership. Her words of, um the Because she's from here. Having her presence has been a huge highlight to me, her, Louis, all our speakers. Auntie Chantel. [00:21:30] She was so awesome. The work she's doing in Australia. So those workshops are really, really cool. Another highlight for me is, um of course, My youth, my little youth, my little youth, Um, present. Yeah, for Yeah, that and of course, our our poor the night. Yeah. Where can you go on and looks so flash and so posh and yeah, everyone dressing up and having fun. [00:22:00] Um, And what will you take away from the What I will take away from the is It's the movement. That's what I'm taking away. And that's what I want to To help support Ranga. Um, have a voice have a role to play in the next week. So I'm taking that, and I'm going to push it and support. However, I can, um, to make it happen for the next one. can you tell me your name, age and where you're from? My name is Stevenson. And, um, I'm 27 [00:22:30] and I'm originally from What does Takata mean to you? Ah, means to me. Um, it means, um a sense of identity for myself. Um, within the Maori context. Um and yeah, it means it means that I It helps me to remember that I have a place in maori, Um, in a cultural context, um, in terms of who I am [00:23:00] and my sexuality. Um, yeah, that's what it means to me. How's the been for you? The has been great. It's been good to, um, be surrounded by like minded people. Um, of all, um, flavours of the rainbow. Um, so I guess, um the strength that you take from this and, um, knowing who you are and being proud of that is something that, um, that that I that I get from this is one of the best things that I get from them. [00:23:30] What have your highlights been? Um, my highlights would have been, um, speaking to, um, my and the the people that I look up to and and in this context, um, and hearing their stories and, um, yeah, just them, I guess just being there to me and and get me ready for my I guess my my own widdle that I have, um, for this [00:24:00] community, what will you take away from the, um what will I take away from the, um Well, I've been given a few little jobs and things to work on for the next um, so I guess one of them will be to, um which means just to make my Maori as a little bit more better or as better as as good as I can get it. Um, And I guess putting myself out there a little [00:24:30] bit more because my two kind of that are here are not going to be here forever. Um, and yeah. So what I'm taking away is is is quite a, um it's quite a heavy suitcase full of, um, full of, um, or challenges that my older to have laid down to me over the past three days. Um, yeah, that's what I'm going to take away and work on in the next couple of years. And I should be back bigger and stronger in the next two. Yeah. Um, what's [00:25:00] your name and where do you come from? My name is uh, so I hail from Harbour. I was born and raised here in Waikato, and, um, I'm also from Hastings Wait. And from the nation of what does mean to you, Um oh, it's been a long, long process, understanding the word for me. And it's [00:25:30] something that I haven't always agreed to, or in fact, even wanted to be part of, Uh, but it's growing on me. So for me is probably an embodiment of a community that don't fit social norms. Um, do you want to tell me a little bit more about your journey to it? Uh, my journey to it started 23 years ago. So, um, we were just counting the photos on the board, and there's 28 of them there. So between those photos and myself, we've been to [00:26:00] every from the beginning. And, um, I actually grew up in a family of drag queens. So when I left my biological family and I decided to go to Auckland and live, I met a great group of people and we were called in the sky and we lived in LA Street, and, um they were drag queens and gay men, and I was the only trans person in the house. So they took me in, and I became part of the family and whatnot, and they started exposing me to many facets of the queer community. And one of those things was the Maori facet of [00:26:30] the community. And this thing called the or the so before we actually had it was just called the and so that's where it came along to and we started attending and we started being part of it. And it was something that I started to really enjoy because it meant I got to meet so many other people that were coming to the from all over the place and some towns. I never dream of going to myself, I'm sure. You know, and, uh, what, they were coming to this thing called the And it was one time that we all got together to meet one another. Talk [00:27:00] about things that were happening in the community, talk about ourselves and how those things have, um, either made us or broken us and made us better in the long run. How's this been for you? Uh, this particular who has been an awesome having it down here in, um, probably more so to the fact that I have many or younger, um, younger, younger members of the and community working with. And I take my head off to those ones because they've held true to what they do, and they do it [00:27:30] really, really well, there would be Ray Ray and a also known as Miss Maranga. They do the they do their jobs. Really, really well And one thing that they've been able to able to manage to do, which has really made me really happy, was to educate their own their and their about diversity and how far this community reaches and how, um, diverse that we are. And we, no matter where we go, we adapt. So it's getting iwis to learn that they can adapt and to accommodate every facet [00:28:00] of their family. And that's what I think has been the true part of this work. Um, what if your highlights been, uh, my highlights? My probably probably one of my main highlights would be, uh, the that we put forward to carry the on and also the, um, group singing and kapa haka that we've had together because we've just covered every everyone's iwi every other motto and we've done it right here on the What will you take away from the What will I take away from the, [00:28:30] um Oh, So who are we? Where are we going and when are we going to do it? And I think that those were the things that I'll take away from that and knowing that one of my other have put their stood up and taken the and asked for it for her. And I will work closely together. And I also start working closely with the younger ones that have come forward and have talked to me about where do I sit in terms of the pipeline? Will I be allowed to talk? Will I be allowed to call [00:29:00] and I? I do believe that there is a place for them. It's just how do we develop that place and where we will take? So that's probably what I'm taking away from this for you. Yeah. Um what are your names and where are you from? I have some here. My name is King and born in the East Coast. I come here and I live in now. This is my [00:29:30] Hi. My name is Thompson. Uh, I have links to this. This, uh and I also have links to the West Coast where I'm currently living in. Can they speak our own language? Yes. Um, what does Takata mean to you? Well, for me, this is the first time I've had anything to do with it. [00:30:00] And I've really enjoyed what I've heard and what I have learned from all the happenings that we have had during this last few days. And I think it is lovely because that helps me because I've got grandchildren. That's, uh uh, you know, what do you call it? Different genders or whatever. So that will help me to help them, you know, to understand what's happening with their bodies or whatever. That's what I'm saying. I just [00:30:30] learned about what I can say. Just help my young, younger generation, uh, to me is a all embracing term, uh, for, uh, men and women, uh, who don't fit the stereotype of the heterosexual. Um, so it's an abrasive turn that to to [00:31:00] me. And And I like using it because it doesn't pigeonhole people into separate categories. Uh, and, um, categorise them by their sexual behaviour. Hm. How has the been for you? Oh, it's been magnificent. It really has been. We've had such lovely days and just mixing and mingling with everyone, all the friends and family. It's just been marvellous. Marvellous beer. I'm going to go to the next [00:31:30] one next one. Yes, I think it's been enormously successful. Um, it's been a combination of, uh uh uh and, um, a cross section of people from different cultural groups. Uh, a broad cross section of, uh, people have come from all corners of the, um of this country of a Also, they've come from Australia [00:32:00] and also from South America as well. Uh, and the success of it is because we've had huge support from the home people, uh, who have, uh, diligently manned the kitchens or woman the kitchens for the entire period of time. Uh, without whom? Of course, we wouldn't have a successful. So we we thank them enormously, uh, for their contribution to making this a successful event. Um, and it's, um, being [00:32:30] held on the here, uh, has been wonderful because we have been able to, um uh we've been able to hear their skills and oratory, and, uh, we've been able to observe the of our people and our people who have been in the kitchens, uh, 24 7, uh, in supporting their, uh, uh, their aunties to host [00:33:00] all their from everywhere. So it's been, um, yes, a brilliant time. What have your highlights been? Highlights have been, I think, um, seeing, um, 100 and 70 people descending on the marae at the time of the, uh, the highlights have been the incredible, uh, diverseness diversity of people who have arrived, Uh, the skills that they have, um the, [00:33:30] um the the, um Also the presence of, uh, Nana Mata, um, Les Wall, who was instrumental in the passing of the, um, uh, the recent, um, marriage act. I can't remember the name of it, but you know what I mean, Um, and all those skills that both those women bring, uh, and the civil Union act as well. Um, and we acknowledge that [00:34:00] all those, uh, people who have worked tirelessly over the years to bring us to this position where we we're able to have this kind of, um, these discussions and, um, political analysis and dialogue of where we are, Um, and the kind of, um um, challenges that are before us as well. Um, while we're celebrating, uh, we're also really aware, uh, that there are huge [00:34:30] challenges out there, uh, for particularly for, um, But we think that given the, um, given the, um, the support, uh, and the input, uh, by all people here that, uh, we're able to, um, meet those challenges head on. What will you take away from the I've just got two types of ice cream, [00:35:00] comrades, I think the loving of one with another. That's what I will take away. And remember, it always has been such a marvellous, marvellous we love. Yeah, I just think the, um you know, the celebration of the human spirit. Uh, the celebration of us as people celebration of our our our our [00:35:30] schools, our diversity, Uh, the ability of young and old to come together and have a wonderful time, uh, and, you know, have a really celebratory time and also look and also look ahead, uh, with, um, you know, be realistic about the challenges ahead, but, um, lots of things. Equal rights for all. That's what Auntie says equal rights for all all persuasions.
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