Posted by Peter on July 16, 2006 at 03:02:09:
There are various factors contributing to the level of poor standard living for Pacific Islanders. While these may be true, it must not be taken for granted as external causes, but rather attempt a genuine cause of responsibilities as dutiful citizens of New Zealand. Statistics revealed recently showed that PIs and Maoris standard of living continue to deteriorate. This trend is expected to continue downhill for another ten years or so as the cost of living continues to hype up not only by Mr. Bush and Blairs’ war for oil, but also by Bureaucratic exploitation of our pain. It is extracted for profit by specialist’s professionals such as lawyers and doctors. You are only a means to redirect tax revenues from the state to lawyers and doctors, the process conducted under the guise of WINZ.
Historically, the consequences are reflected by violence, crime, and domestic abuse. Alternative means of resolution have sought to quick measures but established dependencies on drugs, alcohol, gambling, and burglary.
I work in the community and I have witnessed and shared some of these realities with those I seek to help. I have discovered that these folks are usually isolated, have already burdened by over commitments, have limited income, and often endure a disability or an illness.
While no one is expected to sustain a healthy living on a benefit, some folks have grouped together in an attempt to make ends meet, but also at the consequences of overcrowding and risk the spread communal disease. Anyone who is living on a benefit is living below the poverty line. At the same time, negative publicity of our people associated with stigma of the social position tarnish all of us with the same brush.
For as long as we continue to produce children in poverty traps, we will continue to generate a sub class associated with poverty and crime. Not too many people are willing to help us with our employment records, criminal records, and neighbourhood labels etc. But if we don’t get out of this hole, we are heading to the grave in short lives.
There is a natural way of recovery. Place all your pride and shame aside and go back to your culture, and to your religion. These are the only people left who could restore your social being back to communal existence. Don’t listen to all the Media propaganda, or what others are putting into your head. Learn to trust your elders once again and start doing something good for your community.
I have people call me all sorts of names under the sun, but I continue to help where I know I can. I help anyone irrespective of who they are, whether Tongan, Rarotongans, Maoris, Pakeha, Samoans, Asians, Europeans, etc, and I do a good job of it too.
Stop this downward trend now and start getting back to reality. Enrol in a course of study, community commitment, part time work, church, culture, and take it easy.
Cheers and good luck.
Here's my site: http://www.gihtrust.co.nz/
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