China, Russia not Pacific islanders

Re: P.M. stands up for Australia, NZ  

I agree with Banimarama on the one hand, however I don’t think Russia or China are any more Pacific Island than the white Australian or New Zealand Neo Colonisers.

I understand our Prime Minister’s point, that like it or not, these occupiers of Aboriginal Australia and Maori NZ, are our neighbours and we have to work with that fact.

However, it’s always the case where you see in both Australia and NZ, where we Pacific Islanders are always kept close to the Pakeha, as the watch dog almost, we jump when they say jump, always protecting their interests, as bouncers, as football warriors, as hard workers of their economies, always on edge to do and to perform in a physically demanding way. 

I get Banimarama’s criticism and fair enough, in whose interests do we scurry? Ours or the white man’s? NZ we can safely recognise as a truly progressive nation in its treaty and representation of its indigenous peoples, while Australia on the other hand, is still the only member of the Commonwealth that has yet to formalise a treaty with its indigenous peoples, in fact If any criticism should be levelled at being non Pacific Island, it should be pointed at the still, very British Australians and their very colonial attitude and governance! Then again, didn’t Bainimarama attend the Queen of England’s birthday this year?

Matagi 12

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