Episode 1: Exploring allyship and unlearning with Benji Moorhouse

In the debut episode of Getting Reflective, Lindsay sits down with Benji Moorhouse, an academic and advocate who is passionate about youth voices and indigenous-led approaches. This conversation dives deep into the complexities of allyship, especially for those of us who have had the privilege of being “welcomed in” to learn about te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) as white immigrants to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Benji shares his personal journey of unlearning the "colonizer mindset," a process that has involved embracing discomfort and acknowledging the times he's gotten things wrong. They explore the importance of making space for indigenous voices and how allyship isn’t about perfection, but rather a commitment to growth and learning.

Throughout their discussion, they touch on themes of privilege, accountability, and the transformative power of listening. Benji’s insights are both thought-provoking and inspiring, encouraging all to take a closer look at their own beliefs and actions. This episode is a powerful reminder that the path to becoming better allies is ongoing, and it’s okay to stumble along the way—as long as you keep moving forward.

If you’re interested in exploring what it means to be a true ally, particularly in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand, this episode is for you. Join us on Getting Reflective as we unpack these crucial conversations, and learn how to navigate the often-challenging but rewarding journey of unlearning. Listen to the full episode here.