Andrew Dickens: I back Defence Force professionals

If I was asked whether I’d back Defence Force professionals over politicians on Defence protocols and training, I’d back the professionals every time. ACT and New Zealand First, Winston and David, have asked questions of the Defence Minister Judith Collins on the amount of Māori culture, lore and language which is part of the Defence Force’s preparation for combat. This is not a new complaint. Questions about Karakia and haka come up from time to time. Some see this a against the old God, King and country ideal. But the Defence force has always used Māori tikanga to build cohesiveness. They use haka to bring the forces together. It’s a war dance after all. They use Karakia, Powhiri and other tikanga Māori a lot because a lot of Māori serve in the defence forces. Proportionately more than other segment of the population. It’s part of their organizational identity because the culture is unique to New Zealand and therefore beneficial in bonding the team. And when serving in multi-national military actions it differentiates us from all the other grunts with guns. The question is whether all this multi-cultural woke stuff detracts from making us fighting fit. Well, I’d like to see David Seymour say that to a Māori SAS officer. And we’ve had race-based military before. The Māori battalion. And they made us proud and the world take notice. The military has always embraced Māori culture because they see it as a strength and not a weakness. It’s only performative politicians in their shiny suits in election year that sees Māori culture in the Defence Force as a problem. As any of the 150,000 people at the Edinburgh Military tattoo over the weekend will tell you. The Māori stuff is well liked and is respected.