Avsnitt
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In this episode, the tables are turned. Thanks to Bryan Bruce Investigates for initiating and sharing this podcast episode where he interviews Melanie Nelson, the host of the Weaving our Worlds podcast and the Coherent podcast.
In this episode of Head to Head, Bryan Bruce interviews Melanie Nelson, a writer, researcher, translator and consultant specialising in the application of te Tiriti to environmental and conservation issues. Together, they delve into the Regulatory Standards Bill, a proposed piece of legislation that Melanie describes as a “libertarian manifesto” with significant implications for Aotearoa New Zealand's future.They explore the bill's origins, its potential to override key pillars of our lawmaking like te Tiriti o Waitangi, and its alignment with the ACT Party’s ideology. Melanie highlights the risks of embedding libertarian principles into legislation, the impacts on collective responsibilities, and the bill's broader implications for environmental and social justice. The conversation also connects the Regulatory Standards Bill with the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, positioning them as two sides of the same ideological coin.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how these legislative changes could shape New Zealand's political and social landscape for generations to come. Don't miss these insights and resources for taking action before consultation closes on January 13th.
Join us for a deep dive into one of the most far-reaching policy proposals in recent New Zealand history—and why your voice matters before the January 13th submission deadline.
You can buy Melanie a coffee to support her work!
Resources
Explainer and Submission Guide on the Regulatory Standards Bill here
You can follow Melanie's work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated. -
This is the debut episode of my new podcast, Coherent. Listeners of Weaving our Worlds might find it of interest. It's available on most podcast platforms.
On the Coherent podcast Melanie Nelson hosts in-depth interviews unpacking the political issues shaping Aotearoa New Zealand today. Join us as we explore the sweeping reforms transforming our society, affecting areas like the environment, Indigenous rights, and social cohesion. Our conversations provide clarity, context and hope in uncertain times.
In this compelling episode, Melanie Nelson interviews Jane Kelsey, a leading critic of New Zealand's neoliberal reforms and an expert in global economic governance. They explore the far-reaching implications of the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill—a piece of legislation that threatens to reshape New Zealand’s democratic processes, environmental protections, and social safeguards.Jane traces the bill’s libertarian roots, linking it to decades of neoliberal policy-making in New Zealand, including Rogernomics and Ruthanasia, and drawing parallels with international deregulation failures like the Grenfell Tower fire in the UK. She explains how the bill’s proposed mechanisms, such as the Regulatory Standards Board and regulatory takings provisions, could entrench corporate control, restrict government action, and undermine democratic accountability.
The conversation highlights the constitutional risks of embedding constitutional economic principles that exclude key protections like te Tiriti o Waitangi and the New Zealand Bill of Rights, raising serious concerns about the future of lawmaking and public accountability in Aotearoa.
Jane also offers practical advice on how New Zealanders can respond. She urges individuals to share personal stories of past regulatory failures, such as leaky homes or finance company collapses, to illustrate the real-world impact of weakened regulation. Experts and advocacy groups are encouraged to submit detailed critiques before the consultation closes on January 13.
Tune in to understand what’s at stake, why it matters, and how you can take action to help shape New Zealand’s future.
You can buy me a coffee to support my work!
You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.
Resources
Explainer and Submission Guide on the Regulatory Standards Bill here -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this thought-provoking episode, Sarah Hopkinson, a māmā, curriculum designer, urban farmer, and storyteller, joins Melanie to unravel the intricate threads of identity, ancestry, and the environment.
Sarah delves into what it means to be Pākehā in Aotearoa, reflecting on collective accountability, the deep-rooted values shaping our land, and the relationship between humans and the more-than-human world.
As a passionate advocate for te Tiriti justice and sustainable education, Sarah shares her journey of decolonising education, the transformative power of somatic practices, and how growing food has rekindled her connection to the Earth.
We explore the role of metaphors in shaping cultural narratives, the healing potential of embracing discomfort, and the importance of fostering collective well-being.
Sarah also reflects on the broader societal shifts needed to enact te Tiriti in Aotearoa, and how we can cultivate a future where diverse ways of being thrive in harmony with nature and each other.
You can buy me a coffee to support my work!
You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.
Resources:
https://sarahalicehopkinson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thegreengardennz/ -
In this insightful episode, Melanie Nelson sits down with Jen Margaret, a dedicated advocate and educator for te Tiriti o Waitangi. Jen has spent over 30 years championing the importance of te Tiriti and the responsibilities it entails for Pākehā and Tauiwi in Aotearoa.
Jen shares her personal journey into this work, starting with her first encounter with te Tiriti at university and the subsequent realisation of how little she had been taught about Aotearoa’s founding document. She delves into the critical role Pākehā play in honouring te Tiriti, its importance to non-Māori, the significance of understanding our shared history, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation on Māori.
Through a blend of personal reflections and professional insights, Jen highlights the importance of collective action, the need for Pākehā to educate their own communities, and the essential work being done to build stronger, more respectful relationships in Aotearoa. Whether you're familiar with te Tiriti o Waitangi or just beginning to explore its significance, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the path to a more just and unified Aotearoa.
Tune in to hear Jen's powerful message on the responsibility we all share in honouring te Tiriti and fostering a society where everyone can thrive.
You can buy me a coffee to support my work!
You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.
Resources:
https://groundwork.org.nz/resources/ -
Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod joins Melanie to talk about the upcoming celebration of te reo Māori - the first national Māori language festival, Toitū te Reo. He shares about the inspiration and focus of the festival, its welcoming nature to all, and what it will look and feel like. We discuss some of the speakers and topics which will be included.
We also talk more broadly about the future of te reo Māori, the role for Pākehā and Tauiwi in embracing te reo, dealing with government attacks on te reo and the need for allies in these turbulent times, more than ever.
You can buy me a coffee to support my work!
You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.
Resources:
Toitū te Reo: https://www.toitutereo.co.nz/ -
Beth Tupara-Katene joins Melanie to share the findings of research project Tangaroa Ararau. The project has focused on how to put Tangaroa and Hinemoana (the ocean) at the centre of marine governance, with decisions led collectively by local communities.
We include Māori perspectives on governance and relating to the ocean, across the spectrum of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), customary and commercial fisheries, grounded in te Tiriti o Waitangi. Beth describes a vision of thriving oceans and thriving communities in reciprocal relationship, and systems change to enable the inclusion of a diverse range of people and values.
You can buy me a coffee to support my work!
You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.
Resources: https://uhitai.org/ -
Dr Jessica Hutchings talks about Māori and indigenous food sovereignty, and her practice of this in her own life, through growing food, research and sharing knowledge. She articulates her views on GMOs and the risks that genetic engineering pose to indigenous peoples and their sovereignty.
Also, Jessica shares about the difficulties of ensuring Māori values and voices are centred in the organic and regenerative agriculture movements, and gives insights to behaviours of good allies.
You can buy me a coffee to support my work!
You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.
Resources:
https://www.papawhakaritorito.com/ -
Alex Barnes talks about the complexities and benefits co-governance education in Aotearoa through application of te Tiriti o Waitangi, the subject of his recently completed PhD. We also discuss some of our experiences over decades of walking between te ao Māori and te ao Pākehā, and why we perceive them as different worlds.
Plus we delve into how we, as Pākehā, identify ourselves in te ao Māori and understand our relationship with people and kaupapa we are involved in, and how we are continually learning and evolving in that space.
You can buy me a coffee to support my work!
You can follow Melanie's work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.Resources:
Link to Alex’ PhD: Te Toka Whakaea: Co-governance Education in Aotearoa-New Zealand.
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Hona Black talks about Māori wit and humour and his efforts to help revitalise that particular aspect of te reo. He shares his experience growing up in a Māori speaking household and kura kaupapa, and the challenges of life in a society where the English language and Western cultural norms dominate.
Plus, he explores Māori attitudes to sexuality and the layers of sexuality in te reo Māori. He has been awarded a Marsden Grant to research the desexualisation of te reo Māori domains, and investigate how sexuality, food, identity and socialisation are all part of a complex and interwoven Māori cultural worldview.
You can buy me a coffee to support my work!
You can follow Melanie's work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated. -
Dame Anne Salmond talks about her experience of walking between worlds over the past 50 years, witnessing racism and injustice, and working to grow understanding.
She shares her views on any moves by the government to review the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi. She explains that it is the Māori text which was signed and must be adhered to, and how te Tiriti provides us the opportunity to live together creatively.
You can buy me a coffee to support my work!
You can follow Melanie's work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated. -
Whirimako Black speaks openly about memories of her early life in Te Urewera and Kawerau and how that has shaped her life and career. She shares her love of mōteatea, her reo and culture, and desire to share that with people.
This deep and personal conversation traverses her whānau influences and inspirations, cultural disconnection and reconnection, trauma, identity, authenticity, and the power of connection, music and art for healing.
You can buy me a coffee to support my work!
You can follow Melanie's work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.
