Red Earth: What it means

The name for Labour’s Environmental Group “Red Earth” was chosen in consideration with the principles of Tikanga Maori, and recognition of Te Tiriti O Waitangi.

Moari legend tells us of Papatuanuku and Ranginui coming together and having seven children.  Tane Mahuta separated his parents in order to let light into the world.

After the tight embrace of his parents was broken, Tane Mahuta recognised the need for a female in this new world.  With the help of Ranginui, Tane Mahuta was led to Papatuanuku’s sacred place, Kurawaka.  Tane took the clay from this place and moulded it into the female, Hineahuone, the creator of people.

The clay was the colour of blood, Red.  This signified the blood that came from the parents.  Papa and Rangi, and recognises the sacrifice they gave when they were no longer embraced together.

As Papatuanuku is the Earth Mother, and life was created from red clay, the name Red Earth signifies that life does come from Papatuanuku, who also sustains us.

The name “Red Earth” contains the colour of the Labour Party, and informs that it is a branch about the earth and environmental issues.

Our online group

A simple Google account is all you need to join up.  To add yourself or refer others, first make sure you/they have/get a Google Account, then, once signed in, direct them to http://groups.google.co.nz/group/Red_Earth.  Once you have become a member of this group you can send an email or ‘post’ to everyone else who has joined the group by simply emailing .  Files and pages can also be viewed, created and edited by members on these groups’ websites.

Becoming a Labour Party member

If you are already a member of the Labour Party through a geographic branch (Port Hills, Wigram, Christchurch Central, etc), you can in addition join a special branch like Red Earth.  But you have to pay a second sub.

If you are not yet a Labour Party member you can make your first sign on directly to Red Earth.


Subscriptions taken in the second half of the year are:
Waged    $7.50
Unwaged    $3.30
Family    $10.00