Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
“Representation is the key because a lack of representation always results in a lack of trust.”
Global co-chair of Indigenous at Microsoft NZ, Dan Te Whenua Walker shared his thoughts at a recent forum hosted by AUT University in Auckland.
Dan shared many issues raised by individuals in the corporate world about the struggles Pasifika and Māori face on a daily basis.
The experienced business developer brings to light the importance of genuine implementation and cautioning against the pitfalls of being the “token Pasifika.”
“So it’s about how do we embed it, and move away from the performative, move away from the tokenistic, and embed from the grassroots from the very start, rather than tack on at the end” he says.
Dan uses the term “Cultural Tax” to describe the additional expectations placed on individuals to not only excel at their jobs but also act as cultural guides, translating, providing proverbs, and organising traditional ceremonies.
“I think the cultural tax concept, and I didn’t make this up, this is a term that’s been used before, is the idea of being the token Pasifika. They come to you and say, right, hey, can you hook me up with a Whakataukī (proverb) for this pitch?”
He also notes the many issues recognised within corporate workspaces with Pasifika and Māori such as positive-reinforcement and that added layer of travelling through Pakeha dominated industries.
“Pasifika are less likely to talk themselves up, preferring to uplift others. This trend extends to wāhine as well” he says.
“It’s not just about being good at your job; you also have to be good at being Māori or Pasifika. And we know with colonisation, it’s already a barrier that we have to try and climb over,” he says.
Dan also recognises that there is an added advantage of having both feet in different worlds, with the ability to adapt to diverse environments, to connect across boundaries.
“A lot of Māori and Pasifika are ninjas because they’ve had to grow up in the predominant culture.”
Reflecting on his own journey, Dan reassures Pasifika and Māori that there are many avenues to overcoming those spaces especially with the inclusion of mentors and role models.
“Role models are important and we need to highlight our role models within the organisations. Because if we don’t see ourselves in that space, then just know that we’re going to be overlooked.”
