Pākehā/Palangi Positionality: disentangling power and paralysis

Abstract

Significant health inequities in Aotearoa present compelling evidence that responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi have not been upheld. The aim of this paper is to present our experiences as Pākehā/Palangi working in Māori and Pasifika health in Aotearoa. We are interested in what prevents the upholding of responsibilities by tangata Tiriti and in how, as tangata Tiriti, we can do better. In this paper we explore responsibilities of tangata Tiriti by describing the context and evaluating power, paralysis, and positionality. “Power” is identified as a key factor continuing to perpetuate colonisation and systemic racism. “Paralysis” occurs due to individual racism, apathy, guilt and/or a fear of doing wrong. “Positionality” is an internal and external process that involves consciousness of biases, perspectives, values, privileges, beliefs, superiority and identities. Finally, we point to tools of engagement with the aim of serving and creating space for self-determination for Māori and Pasifika peoples.