The key is relationships. Everyone has a story about everyone else – you have to get past those stories and talk real.
Marie Laufiso is a Dunedin-born Samoan who has contributed a lifetime of community support and activism. She tells us how her family upbringing in Brockville brought a sense of obligation and a “from the margins” thinking that brings both challenges and innovation to the wider city.
Talking points
Poverty and lack of access to resources is inter-generational – it builds up.
My mother said, Brockville is our village – we take care of the needs of the village – its people and its place.
We watched Cowboy and Indian movies – rooting for the Indians of course.
We felt a strong sense of place but also a dislocation, of being born in someone else’s country.
The key is relationships. Everyone has a story about everyone else – you have to get past those stories and talk real.
We have to figure out ways to invest in our own children
Dunedin as a community means being serious about supporting whanau. It means not imposing what we think are the best solutions without having first had meaningful conversations
Key volunteers are tired, worried about the future – they need our support.
When I think of a compassionate economy, I think about people who actually care. A society that is just and peaceful.
(Sustainability) A society that takes care of all of our people, then the people would take care of the planet.
(Superpower) Listening
(Success) My family together supporting my brother through his illness.
(Activist) Yes. A community worker.
(Motivation) Obligation. I said I would, so I’d better.
Challenges) Being really clear about legacy we’re leaving children.
(Advice) Keep it real.
The show was first broadcast on the 11th August 2016.