A 16-part podcast series produced by Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura and Rainbow Hub Waikato. The team set out to explore the experiences of Takatāpui and Rainbow elders. They wanted to identify specific risks of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Alongside this, they wanted to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of the needs of Takatāpui and Rainbow older people in strategies, policies, and services for the elderly in Aotearoa. For more information visit the Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura website.
Summary
The recording captures the reflections and aspirations of an individual who is contemplating a move to Rarotonga. The speaker, at the age of 55, is making plans for the next five years, intending to be 60 and contributing actively to their community in Rarotonga. This move is becoming more real as discussions with their sister and visualizations of life in Rarotonga solidify their plans.
The individual emphasizes the importance of village life, highlighting the collective responsibility to work for and uphold the mana of their village through various actions. They express a desire to continue serving their community, possibly in a specialized nursing role, although they express a strong preference against working in the Rarotonga hospital. Community clinics, where they have connections through friends in the nursing field, present a more appealing option. They also entertain the idea of becoming a bus tour guide, which they believe would suit them well in Rarotonga.
Looking ahead, the individual envisions a future marked by active community involvement, contributing to both their family and the wider community. They mention the Te Tiare Association, a rainbow community organization in Rarotonga, as a potential avenue for their efforts. The speaker reflects on the importance of honoring the pioneers of the rainbow, takatāpui, and HIV communities, acknowledging that their struggles paved the way for the current generation. Any future struggles the speaker faces will be undertaken in honor of these pioneers, to keep their memories alive.
The speaker expresses a desire to bring joy and vibrancy to the community, although they are uncertain about the best way to achieve this. They muse about organizing a show featuring rainbow-themed paintings as one possible contribution. As they consider their role as an elder in the community, the speaker contemplates whether they will be seen as a "mama" or "papa" Akawaine, ultimately deciding they will likely present as a "papa."
The recording touches on the cultural nuances of being a "queen" in the Cook Islands, where individuals often keep their boy names but add "auntie" in front. The speaker also shares feelings of being left out by services geared towards younger people, despite appreciating the vibrancy and activism associated with youth. They express a longing for a deeper connection within the community, which they hope to find through their future endeavors in Rarotonga.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
Tags