Life deals out curve balls
Life deals out curve balls that I never expected. From losing one’s job; selling my much loved cottage in Governors Bay, to moving in with my sisters family – to survive the road for change. Change is good - don't get me wrong. Coping with what life throws at you – shows how resilient one becomes. It’s taught me not to be so dependent on the almighty dollar. I never was before choosing to work casual nightshift in a local primary birth facility. Being with family cements life-long ties. Midwifery to me does matter and gives me an added perspective on the profession.
When I left my job which was my own choice due to the mandate. I’m sad not mad. I’m forever grateful for the midwifery job opportunities I have had. I found a niche working on nightshifts. Less politics, more autonomous practice, and closeness and connection with sleepy pēpi, māmā, pāpā, whānau. The only significant thought I had when leaving was why more midwives didn’t step away with me. Yes, I understand people’s personal philosophy. Yes, I understand the almighty dollar. Yes, family to care for. I get all that. In a midwifery profession where our oath is about freedom to choose, freedom to how we wish to live, I certainly have no regrets. This to me is mana motuhake that Jay Waretini-Beaumont talked about in her blog.
Mana Motuhake means to me - as a midwife, is ensuring we create how best we want to practice. We choose the midwifery school, we choose to walk alongside birthing whānau, we work in a kaupapa led practice guided by the right environment, people, politics, midwifery vibe, birthing facilities, upbringing etc. Being Māori, being Tongan. If we know our whakapapa, we have a sense of belonging. When you’re away from your tūrangawaewae, it makes you respect where you are placed in society. It teaches you who is mana whenua, tauiwi you trust, collectiveness with Māori and Pasifika, Palagi, Asian, Midwifery colleagues.
Mana Motuhake means to me – being influential. Get to know your midwifery class mates, community and nation. As mentor or mentee, tuakana or teina, carrying humility goes along way. You start to get recognised, asked to represent, position yourself lobbying for change. Hui fono, hui fono, hui fono. I always look out for innovative collective action. Making sure I always report back to the people I represent.
Mana Motuhake means to me – walking together being mindful Māori must lead the way forward. This hasn’t been recognised in the past – I’m optimistic for the future. At the moment there is an emphasis to co-chair, co-governance - whether it be with Pākehā, Palagi, Asian, Indian, LBQ+, Men Groups, Homebirth – all Te Tiriti Partners. A step further is to chair, govern – whom Māori have an innate nature to do anyway.
Mana Motuhake means to me – being safe culturally, being true to self, being kind and revolutionary. 30 years in midwifery. Sovereignty for iwi, whānau, hapū, rūnanga. I love collectiveness. I mentioned family. I have been blessed by answering the call of my sister in Ruatoria to return home. She is wanting to establish Tairāwhiti rohe - Māori Government in Ruatoria where our late māmā created for the nation. The health portfolio is a big mantle to carry but, where whānau, Māori, tauiwi and all like-minded people can come together to share the hope and joy for a healthy hauora. Watch this space – or next blog.
Special acknowledgement to close friends, family and colleagues. You know who you all are. Never forgotten.
Mauri Ora, Malo ‘Aupito, Ruth Chisholm
01 April 2022