Colonial Ableism: The Marginalization of Tāngata Whaikaha in Aotearoa New Zealand

Within te ao Māori (the Māori world), everyone, including tāngata whaikaha (people with strengths), traditionally had a role and a contribution to make. One in five Māori in Aotearoa (New Zealand) are tāngata whaikaha. Colonization introduced the Eurocentric attitude that "disability" was a negative "abnormality." Consequently, many tāngata whaikaha were institutionalized for decades in state and faith-based care settings. Informed by kaupapa Māori (Māori philosophy) and critical traditions, this article introduces the term colonial ableism to describe the particular marginalization and oppression of tāngata whaikaha by the Crown. It draws on lived experience and decades of political and practical work in the sector by the lead authors. Specifically, we examine the elements of colonial ableism, tino rangatiratanga (unfettered Māori authority), colonial roots, connections to te ao Māori, siloed systems and services, and lack of data. In the context of unprecedented cuts in funding for services to tāngata whaikaha, we make the case for retaining a whānau-centered (extended family-centered) approach to tāngata whaikaha and the principles of Enabling Good Lives as pathways for mana motuhake (autonomy) for tāngata whaikaha. This unique scholarly contribution will be of interest to all those engaged in understanding the marginalization of Indigenous people with "disabilities" and seeking emancipatory ways forward that honor individual and collective human rights.