Invasion Day
We can’t celebrate the day foreigners stole this land from the indigenous folk. Because if it happened today it would be widely condemned, by us. And we are today, and we can change this public holiday.
The day we became our own country is out, because it was Jan 1. Regardless, a date change won’t be sufficient. We also need:
- apology
- acceptance
- acknowledgement that nobody involved is alive today
- resolve any outstanding land rights
- agree that it is a f**cked up situation that cannot be reversed
- a new flag
The flag is pivotal, as it represents us. And it needs to change anyway, people keep thinking we are New Zealanders…
I advocate Jan 25 – the day before – representing the thousands of years that preceded the invasion.
One other possibility is not available to everyone, but I would if I could. Go back to where you came from. For me – Scotland.