The least of these, my brethren
The president of Black Power’s Whanganui chapter, Damien Kuru, is currently in prison for manslaughter. A jury found him guilty in the killing of Kevin Ratana, a Mongrel Mob member, even though he wasn’t…
Advice to the Mayor of Whananaki
I felt compelled to respond to Shane Jones – This mob mentality needs a short, sharp shock NZ Herald June 20th. I respect Shane Jones as a person of intellect and as an effective…
The Two Colossi of Ahuriri, Pat Magill and John Harre
Closing a Community Chapter. The Two Colossi of Ahuriri, Pat Magill and John Harre On Monday 24 April Pat Magill, my kaumatua Pākehā, tangata Tiriti, called a few of us together for a coffee at…
The obligation of citizenship
Denis O’Reilly’s community in Waiohiki, Hawke’s Bay, is one of many still reeling from Cyclone Gabrielle and the flooding. In this update, he writes about the continuing challenges, and why the census matters even…
Situation Report, Waiohiki. The scale of devastation is vast. Nerves are frayed.
Situation Report, Waiohiki, 1st March, 2023 Ranginui is relentless. The scale of devastation is vast. Behind what’s left of my home and down Omarunui Road it looks like the Somme. Individually and collectively our community…
Tihei mauri ora! Tihei Aotearoa
( Waiohiki Flood Recovery-Givealittle ) I began this kōrero at Waipatu, Heretaunga, in Hastings, in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 18, 2023. The sun had not yet risen, but it will….
Putting Power in the Hands of Whanau
With submissions on the proposed Charities Amendment Bill closing a couple of days ago, Denis O’Reilly argues against the changing attitude towards charities and what he sees as the move away from a pragmatic,…
A Matter of Better Judgement
Cultural Reports under Section 27 of the Sentencing Act seek to address the entrenched asymmetry or negative disproportionality in criminal justice outcomes for Māori offenders. Its complex. Justice Sir Joe Williams holds that “We tend…
Sermon on the Mahau
KNOX The following sermon, a panegyric for William Knockers Allen, was delivered on 7th November 2022 by Denis O’Reilly from the mahau, the front porch, of the whare Taamaki Makaurau at Ihumatao, Auckland, to members…
Tangata Tiriti – Learning to Stand Upright
In late June 2022 I joined many other New Zealanders in celebrating Matariki. Maori-led and defined Matariki has emerged as our first recognised indigenous holiday, or if you prefer holy day, seeing that it…
Here we go Again
If we don’t learn from the past, we are doomed to unsuccessfully grapple with present and future social problems. The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern calls these problematics ‘wicked problems’. They are complex. Answers to…
Sort Out the Warriors
It’s a man’s game. Jacinda Ardern should take over the Warriors. After what was looking like becoming a troublesome season for the Labour team, she has made some tough calls over positional play. I’ll…
A Great New Zealander You Most Likely Never Heard Of
In the year of my birth, 1952, a man from Timaru, and a student at the high school which I was later to attend, St Patrick’s Timaru, William Colin Mathew Durning (BDS, MDS, PhD),…
Laurie O’Reilly’s voice from the grave
Last week I attempted to present to the Social Services and Communities Committee dealing with the ‘Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System and Children and Young People’s Commission Bill’. I am troubled by the intention…
We say goodbye to Creative Rebel Paratene Temokopuorongo Matchitt
Its Saturday. 24th July 2021. I’ve got other mahi to do but my soul tells me to write, if only briefly. I’ve got profound views on current worldly issues to share with you in…
He Poroporoaki mo Carl Meredith Bradley. BA. MA Ph.D
Carl Bradley died suddenly last week. Just 52 years of age. He was a friend and colleague. Carl was an Aikido 4th Dan black belt and on an upward trajectory in his sport. He…
EDGE #412 Trapped in Museums for Centuries, Maori Ancestors Are Coming Home + 27 Global Kiwi Stories
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EDGE #410 Holiday Edition – Richie McCaw World Rugby Player of the Decade + 24 Global Kiwi Stories
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Calling All Change Agents
In the mid 1980’s when the Whakatu meatworks closed we ran a programme at Waiohiki to support workers made redundant by the extraordinary restructuring of our economy. Men and women who previously had been…
Te Whaea: Our Lady of Aotearoa
By Denis O’Reilly. Late last year I attended the unveiling for the late Hon. Parekura Horomia. Helen Clark gave a panegyric for her deceased acolyte. At the time of the tangihana itself, Helen was…
Ruby Princess and the Great Discontinuity
Denis O’Reilly is a New Zealand community leader and activist. This is his 91st essay for nzedge.com. My time as a bouncer on the door at Ali Baba’s in Cuba St Wellington, circa 1975,…
