New Zealand (like most of the USA) was settled by a steady stream of European colonists from about 1820. In the 1840s, that stream became a wave which swamped the indigenous Maori peoplee and largely disposessed them of land, resources, and political power, with predictable results. During the last 50 years there has been a Maori Rennaissance, with recognition and revival of the language, reparation, compensation for illegal actions by the Government, and moves towards a limited degree of co-governance in particular areas.
The Right in NZ have recently prevailed in an election, and have promised to halt and reverse these trends. This blog post is in a sense a celebration that I can still say
Meri Kirihimete tatou!