Email Tautoko

by Elisapeta Heta

In an unfolding email dialogue I have expressed support for this kaupapa and have given permission for my response to be shared publicly to encourage designers to come forward and broaden contribution.

Tēnā koe e Catherine,

Mo taau tino tautoko ki te kaupapa nei, he waahine mātātoa, he wāhine atawhai, he wāhine arohanui hoki.

I tautoko you and your mahi and thank you for shining a light where many know there is work to be done. Surely, we all know that to truly whakamana our profession (and the clients, communities and ngā tangata that they represent or speak to), that our platforms that make visible this important work, need to be held accountable to standards of equality and mana that enhances the present and the future of our professions.

To add to your tohu that has been put forth to audit this kaupapa, I would similarly recommend a kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) hui that truly enhances and acknowledges the collective body of people prepared to make positive change. This needs to be made accessible, transparent and focus on transformative systems.

I do hope that for our tāmariki — wāhine & tāne alike, under the mana of Te Tiriti and the potential of Aotearoa — we can abolish these barriers of bias so this conversation is nothing but a moment in time.

Ngā manākitanga,
Elisapeta

Elisapeta Heta / Ngāti Wai, Ngā Aho Komiti member, NZIA Councillor, Wahine …