Ep 23: Mark Solomon: "Connections, relationships, and knowing who you are"

For Tā Mark Solomon (Sir Mark Solomon) knowing who you are; knowing your family's relationships; and treating others with respect are crucial. As Kaiwhakahaere (Chairperson) of Ngā Tahu for eighteen years, there was much that he learned to listen to and watch, and many elders to learn from. He listened to the ones outside the meeting who might not speak up inside; spent time in the kitchen and he watched the strong, sometimes quiet influence of women elders. In China on a trip with New Zealand government representatives a man introduced himself as "the one who buys all your crayfish" and reminded him of the need to be visible "at least once every year." Then Prime Minister John Key observed how things worked in China and said, "It's obvious we cannot do without a Māori contingent. Every time Māori walk into the room the talking level and engagement goes up." In this korero he talks of the necessity of recognising "our massively changing demographics," and the power of the Māori economy; of treating everyone with respect: "when you give respect, you get it back." All this, and much more.