Oceans Between Us

Racism. There, we said it. You can let your shoulders drop now that youknow we will say the word and not sidestep it to protect people’s comfort. Or,you can raise your shoulders in preparation for tension as you realise thatthis book will not talk about unconscious bias or other terms that enable us toexcuse ourselves from our own complicity in, inaction on, or upholding ofracist structures. — SereanaNaepiSalt water carriesthe weight of powerful stories – of migration, struggle and survival. It is inthe sweat of labour, the tears of grief and joy, and the waves that have shapedgenerations. Like the ocean, racism has carved deep scars in the landscapes wenavigate. In this collection, thirteen Pacific scholars rise to turn the tide,dissecting the racism embedded in New Zealand’s core systems, from educationand health to justice and climate. Through ten essays rooted in the vā – therelational space of story, dialogue and environment – each chapter builds onthe next, weaving together lived experiences and sharp insights.Oceans Between Us is both a testimony and a call to action. It documents the struggles ofPacific peoples and envisions a world beyond now. A rallying cry for justice, ademand for equity and a catalyst for change, this book is not about survivalalone – it’s about thriving.