Leave Your Big Boots at the Door sees 17 Pākehā discuss the history of racism against Māori in Aotearoa, and explain what they have done, and are still doing, to prevent it.
The effects of colonisation and the racism that accompanies it are seen in the lives of many Māori living in the inequitable, disadvantaged margins of society, heavily influenced by the loss of their land and cultural knowledge, and often living in poverty.
Those interviewed in this book have all come to recognise how this racism blights our country, and they come from a range of occupations, including police, education, health, psychology, social services, Corrections, business, and the law. As well as each providing an historical angle on the subject, they offer positive suggestions about addressing bias, power and privilege in our country's constitutional documents, systemic racism in our institutions and organisations, and in personal ways of confronting racism. At times, the stories felt a little lacking, through no fault of the teller. I would have liked to have seen a bit more analysis, rather than an autobiography. But the telling is still valuable.
There are some well known names within the book - Mitzi Nairn, Ann Milne, and Rod Jackson to name but a few. There are other contributors that I was eager to hear more from, some of which were surprising given my preconceptions of their organisations.
My copy is heavily dog-eared, marking passages and quotes that brilliantly convey some of the issues Pākehā will confront when embarking on this journey. Richard Shaw's story about using his own strength - writing - to combat racism is an important read. As he says, 'it is long time we Pākehā sorted our own stories out' and this book is a step in that direction. His call to action includes the invaluable advice that getting out of the way can be vital - stand in the wings, listen rather than speak, choose silence over voice.
The contributors all advocate for a society in which Māori regain tino rangatiratanga (power and control) over their own lives.
As Heather Came says, 'to disrupt racism, we must keep talking to those who are experiencing it. But the people whose minds we have to change are Pākehā.'
Leave Your Big Boots at the Door isn't going to reach those that need it most sadly. But for those already doing the mahi, or who are looking to step into the space, it is an important and inspiring book.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
Potton & Burton