Aroha Gilling, Author at E-Tangata

You can’t hide big and brown

Posted by Aroha Gilling | Nov 12, 2023 | Identity, Reflections

“My story is one of absence, loss, and sometimes sadness. Still, I refuse to let it be a story of despair.” — Aroha Gilling.

What it’s like receiving racist health care

Posted by Aroha Gilling | Jun 4, 2023 | Reflections

“I’m an articulate person and able to advocate for myself, but even I struggle with this tsunami of racism that has threatened at times to wash me away.” — Aroha Gilling.

We need to refill our kete

Posted by Aroha Gilling | Apr 19, 2023 | PIJF, Reflections

“Māori staff must be able to replenish our emptying kete. Any organisation that recognises this need, plans for it and supports it, is demonstrating long-term cultural integrity and sustainability.” — Aroha Gilling.

Partnership means pulling up your socks

Posted by Aroha Gilling | Feb 12, 2023 | Reflections

“You need to rise to the challenge, accept the discomfort, and not lurk around in the back row mumbling resentfully and looking at your boots.”— Aroha Gilling to local and central government staff who work with iwi.

Everyday acts of resistance to colonisation

Posted by Aroha Gilling | Oct 16, 2022 | Reflections

“I’ve been fortunate to contribute to big systemic change, but it’s the little acts, the personal struggles on a day-to-day, hour-to-hour, minute-to-minute basis that I find both potent and fascinating.” — Aroha Gilling.

‘An ill-fitting kākahu’: Being Māori and working for the Crown

Posted by Aroha Gilling | Sep 11, 2022 | Reflections

“I remain in the public service, often as the only counter-narrative, and the only Māori voice, in innumerable projects and meetings.” — Aroha Gilling.