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For the past three years, euthanasia has generated heated and candid public debate as the end-of-life election bill made its way through Parliament.
The bill will go into effect after New Zealanders overwhelmingly voted in its favor in the referendum on the End of Life Choice Act.
But some Maori feel that the law does not go far enough to protect their communities. Wharehoka says this is a fair review.
“There are people like me who have had many health problems and that is where I come from, with that in mind, the options are for them and the options for me.”
The results of the referendum could affect the iwi and the Tikanga they practice. In the past, some marae have refused to host suicide tangihanga.
“So if you choose euthanasia, can you go back to the marae? And I have to say, after all that, to think that the marae is the place where you do all the healing.”
With the final results of the Euthanasia Referendum confirmed, Wharehoka is seriously considering his future. She may be one of the first people in this country who could opt for assisted death.
“I like to have the opportunity to say yes. I don’t want to live in this body anymore,” he told The Hui.
“I’m sick of breathing the way I do. I need a lot more oxygen than I’m getting into my system. I can’t do it anymore.”
Her daughter Jean Hikaka knows how much her mother is suffering, but that doesn’t make the decision easier.
“We’ve had some very real conversations, she says ‘I don’t want to suffer, Jean. I have suffered enough,'” says Hikaka.
While Hikaka is still making the decision, Wharehoka is determined and wants to be able to end her life with dignity.
“For me, there is something of beauty in being able to have people present with me in my last moment.”
The Hui
