A question that most migrants ask themselves. FARIDA MASTER talks to Edwina Pio author of two books, 'Sari' and 'Longing & Belonging' who is on the quest of exploring the trials, tribulations and celebration of settling in a new country.
Edwina Pio is a wonderful raconteur of stories.
Every time we meet over coffee, this Associate Professor at the Business School of AUT University, has an interesting, thought-provoking story to tell. True life stories that journey in to the inner recesses of the minds of tireless travellers who attracted by the lifestyle, scenery and education system in New Zealand have made the clean, green and nuclear-free land of the long white cloud, their new home. Stories that encourage you to reflect on who you are and the yearning to belong to the island-country perched at the other end of he world.
This Visiting Professor at Boston College, Massachusetts, USA, with research interests in management, spirituality and what makes people leave their footprints in the quick sands of time, has mastered the art of weaving stories as she unearths them with astonishing alacrity. She evocatively narrates them in her books which are a quick reference point for those wanting to explore the fascinating ethnic diversity of Aotearoa and how it can constructively contribute towards the economic and cultural growth of the country.
With her first labour of love 'Sari' that was received with great fanfare, Edwina exploded the stereotype of Indian Women at work. The girl-at- heart from India hoped the book would contribute towards a greater understanding of the dynamic Indian woman who struggles with her identity and goes through the roller-coaster of joy and tribulations whilst trying to resettle in a new country.
Her second offering 'Longing & Belonging' which was recently released both at Te Papa in Wellington and at the beautiful Japanese garden, Waitakere City Council, pushes the bar further as it opens a window onto the diverse people of Asian and MELAA ( Middle Eastern, Latin American, African and Asian ) origin who are a part of contemporary New Zealand. The book is laced with moving stories of settlement, the hard challenges and the reservoir of strength and hope that sustains them as they cross latitudes and longitudes to share this patch of land.
Edwina who has experienced the tug-of-war of emotions that practically every migrant has faced says, "I remember the times when I wanted to fly back home, numb with disbelief at the roadblocks for the different, with my mind bearing a staccato rhythm with the words 'shall I stay'? Yet there is something intangible that calms me and quells my pulsating heart and throbbing mind as I weigh my joys and sorrows. The scale tilts slowly but definitely towards this land I now call home-which is home of a fortunate few who have limitless possibilities."
A gestation period of eight years has spawned books, journal articles and website pieces. 'Longing & Belonging' nurtured through this incubation period, is an initial response on a diverse group of people in the full knowledge that such information must be necessarily be complex, layered phenomenon and always incomplete,' she mentions in her preface.
'Longing & Belonging' is a stimulating mix of hard facts, touching stories of adaptation and think pieces about the challenges faced and hopes harboured by a brave breed of people. The fourteen stimulating thinkpieces pertain to the migrant/refugee experience with specific reference to identity and work, and the reality of being a Kiwi in New Zealand.
In the first chapter written by Mervin Singham, he gives a meaningful insight into the true implication of diversity. The Malaysian born Director of Ethnic Affairs, Te Tari Matawaka, explains that diversity is not just about food and cultural festivals but is about unlocking the creative potential that our diversity brings to New Zealand.
"The DNA of our society has been changed and there is no turning back," he writes. "These changes affect the way societies operate-from politics to international trade, to community social events to the ever vibrant activities of civil society organisations. Diversity enriches, frustrates and bewilders us all at the same time. Our lives would not be the same without it," points out the man who wants to make a definite difference to the rich and diverse tapestry
of New Zealand.
Vijaya Vaidyanath, the highly accomplished Chief Executive Officer of Waitakere City Council speaks about inclusion. "My vision is not just about settlement it's about inclusion. Instead of settlement policies, New Zealand would have inclusion policies, instead of settlement programmes we would have inclusion programmes. Instead of the Department of Immigration we would see Department of Inclusion. We would then have a new position in New Zealand, called 'Chief Executive of Inclusion."' states the former CEO of Rodney District, the fastest growing district in New Zealand.
"We regularly hear that we need highly talented, creative and skilled people, but such people will be interested only where they are welcomed. The best new strategy would be to listen, remove obstacles and negative attitude and create an inclusive and supportive environment," she says driving the point home.
As migrants inevitably struggle with the question of acceptance and hope to have a wedge of the economic pie through work as they try to erase the colour scale, Edwina's academic and referenced text, 'Longing & Belonging' gets beneath the skin and lets information work towards unveiling blind spots.
It gently urges its readers to reap the bountiful harvest from the growing tree of ethnic diversity.