Mairātea Mohi is a writer raised in Rotorua, currently based in Tāmaki. Working in media she has written for student journalism, independent publications and national news.
OPINION: The world has gone into a state of tapu as we all take a moment to remember the Queen and her many years of service. We’ve observed moments of silence amidst bustling supermarkets and roads coming to a standstill.
The people of England are rightfully lamenting, however life here in Aotearoa continues on.
So while we’re all scratching our heads wondering what to do next, I’ll go ahead and ask the question on everyone's lips: now that The Queen has died, does that mean colonisation is over? Unfortunately, no.
As already noted by indigenous voices across the world, reactions to The Queen’s death have been rather… divisive. We’ve seen the public and world leaders send heartfelt tributes while also bearing witness to communities affected by British expansionism showing their due satisfaction. And it must be said, these reactions are all valid.
For many people Elizabeth is the only monarch they’ve come to know, while to others she is the figurehead of an institution responsible for the erasure of both family and culture. There are myriad feelings, which is to be expected, but right now we must remember to give space to those mourning and give grace to those commemorating.
However, all this conflicting discourse leads me to think: have we as a society finally passed the era of ‘Monarch Mania?’
When Elizabeth was inaugurated she inherited an empire with over 70 territories. Today that number stands at 14. Countries like Barbados and Jamaica are in the active process of uncoupling from the ‘Mother Nation’ - or should I say Father now? Conversations here in Australasia have also started to whirl around possibly becoming a republic.
So King Charles, by way of pure luck and circumstance, has inherited a crumbling empire heading for collapse. Look, even nepo babies have it hard!
As one keen commenter pointed out about the above video: “If ever there was an image that captured modern Colonialism, this is it.”
Watching everyone look around and wonder what’s next, one can’t help but think it’s about time we had ‘the talk’ Aotearoa. The awkward monarchy talk.
While constitutional transformation may be the opener, it’s imperative we don’t just stop there.
It’s time we talked brazenly about all the nasty things going on in our country: Oranga Tamariki, the response to co-governance, and their roots which no one seems to want to say out loud, racism.
Right now is high time. As we all know, victors write history, but this end of an era shows a need for self-determination. We need to seize the pen, won by an unfair victory, and write the next chapter of our journey as a country together.
.jpg)
Aotearoa has shown time and time again that we are a mature, independent nation. This maturity is reflected in some existing governmental initiatives, laws and policy and the voices of Māori and jurisprudence (see the Queen’s apology to Tainui).
In addition, there is extensive evidence demonstrating the positive outcomes realised when Indigenous peoples make decisions for their own economic, social and cultural development.
Right now is the calm before the storm, so to the indigenous communities who have been affected and continue to be affected by colonisation, protect your peace.
We’re all about to head into some difficult spaces so charge into them with aroha and understanding in mind. Like colonisation, restoration is a process and will take some time.
