As New Zealand marks another Matariki long weekend, the annual celebration of the Māori New Year continues to challenge long-standing myths about colonial exceptionalism. While many have traditionally…
“They didn’t exist” (terra nullius)Complete denial of Indigenous presence in a given area (country, province, etc).Includes denial of Indigeneity, e.g, “Indigenous Peoples are Settlers too”. “If they did,…
Introduction: The Kiingitanga, or Māori King movement, is a powerful symbol of Māori self-determination and cultural resilience. Its history, spanning over 160 years, is a testament to the…
Introduction: Today, amidst a mix of sorrow and hope, Māoridom bid farewell to their beloved King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu, while simultaneously welcoming a new…
Introduction: John Minto, a name synonymous with New Zealand’s social justice movements, has dedicated his life to challenging injustice and advocating for equality. From the anti-apartheid protests of…
Photo/ Hamilton City Council Library Introduction: Te Tiriti o Waitangi, signed in 1840, remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s history and identity. Yet, the question of who bears…
Introduction: The words of Kiingi Tāwhiao, the second Māori King, echo across generations, offering a powerful message for our times through his tongikura or proverb: “Māku anō e…
Introduction: Andrew Judd, the former Mayor of New Plymouth, is a figure whose story offers a complex and compelling narrative about confronting personal prejudice and advocating for social…
The Māori nation maintains that they never ceded sovereignty to the Crown, and for good reason. Primarily, this is because that is not what they signed up for.…
Introduction: The recent admission by Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins, that Māori never ceded sovereignty marks a pivotal moment in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history. This long-awaited acknowledgment, echoing…
