All whānau across the Wairoa District are thriving

Equality

Understanding Equity and Equality

At Tihei Wairoa, we believe in fostering a community where every whānau thrives. A crucial part of this mission involves understanding the concepts of equity and equality, especially in addressing historical and current disparities affecting various communities within Aotearoa New Zealand.

Equality vs. Equity: What’s the Difference?

Equality means providing the same resources or opportunities to everyone, assuming that everyone starts from the same place and needs the same help.

Equity, on the other hand, involves distributing resources and opportunities based on the specific needs of individuals or groups. It recognizes that people have different circumstances and allocates the exact resources needed to reach an equal outcome.

Imagine three people of different heights trying to see over a fence:

Equity provides boxes of different heights so that each person can see over the fence equally, accounting for their different heights.

Equality gives each person the same size box to stand on. The tallest person can see over the fence easily, the medium-height person can just see over, but the shortest person still cannot see.

The best explanation i’ve seen – Video produced by The Harbor by Jostens

Why Is Equity Important Before Equality?

In societies where historical injustices and systemic discrimination have created unequal starting points, treating everyone the same (equality) can perpetuate disadvantage. Equity seeks to level the playing field by addressing those disparities.

Context in Aotearoa New Zealand:

  • Historical Context: Certain groups have faced significant disadvantages due to colonization, land dispossession, and systemic discrimination.
  • Current Disparities: These historical injustices have led to ongoing disparities in health, education, employment, and socio-economic status among different populations.

Policy Implications:

  • Pathway to Equality: By focusing on equity, we aim to create conditions where all individuals have equal opportunities and outcomes. Only then can true equality be achieved.
  • Equity-Focused Policies: To address these disparities, policies often focus on providing additional support to underrepresented or disadvantaged communities. This is not about giving unfair advantages but about rectifying historical and systemic inequities.

Common Misunderstandings

“Treating Everyone the Same is Fair”: While this seems fair in principle, it ignores the different starting points and barriers faced by different groups. Equal treatment can perpetuate inequality if it doesn’t account for these differences.
“Equity is Unfair Advantage”: Equity is about justice and fairness. Providing additional support to those who have been disadvantaged is necessary to achieve equal outcomes.

How Equity Benefits Everyone

Stronger Communities: When all members have the opportunity to succeed, communities are stronger and more resilient.
Economic Growth: Reducing disparities leads to a more skilled workforce and stimulates economic growth.
Social Harmony: Addressing inequalities reduces social tensions and fosters a sense of belonging and cohesion.

Our Commitment

Tihei Wairoa is dedicated to promoting equity within our community by:

  • Listening to Whānau Voices: Understanding the specific needs and aspirations of our community.
  • Collaborating with Partners: Working alongside local leaders and service providers to implement equitable solutions.
  • Advocating for Fair Policies: Supporting initiatives and policies that aim to rectify historical injustices and promote equitable outcomes.

How You Can Engage

Educate Yourself:
Learn more about the history of Aotearoa New Zealand and the experiences of different communities.

Reflect on Biases:
Consider how unconscious biases may influence perceptions of equity and equality.

Support Equity Initiatives:
Engage with and support programs and policies that aim to create equitable outcomes.

Open Dialogue:
Foster respectful conversations about these topics within your networks.

Conclusion

Achieving true equality requires us to first address the inequities that prevent certain groups from having the same opportunities as others. By embracing equity, we move towards a society where everyone has the chance to thrive, building a stronger, more inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.

Resources for Further Learning