EVA RICKARD.

This recording features an interview by Lindsay Perigo with Eva Rickard, Māori land activist, talking about her life and explaining her fight over the land at the Raglan golf course

Eva explains that she grew up on a marae but was educated in the Pakeha world. She describes how her Māori cultural values became prominent over her Pakeha beliefs following her mother's death. She says she was drawn to Christianity as a means to heal two of her children who became psychic on her mother’s death and this shift in belief helped open her mind to the spiritual world.

Eva explains how this spiritual transformation raised her awareness of Māori cultural belonging to the land. She talks about her connection with the spiritual realm and the psychic connection she has with her ancestors.

Eva highlights Aotearoa’s loss of Māori language and culture, the need for recognition, the land issue of Raglan Golf course and the rights of her people which have been ignored. Eva shares her vision of a community lifestyle for the land. Having had her land claim rejected by the High Court she will take it up with the Court of Appeal.