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 the sentiments of Māori for 184 years, has the potential to usher in a new era of unity and progress, over and above anything ever seen in this country previously. It potentially honours the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in a manner that fosters a more inclusive society.
This acknowledgment is not just a symbolic gesture; it signifies a fundamental shift in understanding the relationship between Māori and the Crown. It recognizes the existence of two sovereign entities, each with their own distinct authority and rights, who can and should interact and engage in shared spaces to build a better future for all citizens of Aotearoa-New Zealand.
While Hipkins’ statement is a significant step forward, he also recognises that it won’t be, and hasn’t historically been an easy road, there are still going to be hiccups and misunderstandings, however the intentionality will be coming from a more genuine and authentic place.
The Current Coalition:
It is also crucial to acknowledge the role played by other political leaders in paving the way for this pivotal change.The current coalition of National, ACT, and New Zealand First, with their history of divisive rhetoric and blatant disregard for Te Tiriti, is a stark contrast to the vision of a united and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.
Their policies, built upon a foundation of inequality and division, have created a society where the needs of the many are sacrificed at the altar of the few. In their relentless pursuit of power, they have trampled on the principles of Te Tiriti, leaving our nation teetering on the brink of social and economic collapse.
This dangerous trajectory has been exacerbated by the relentless attacks on Māori by National Party leader Christopher Luxon, ACT Party leader David Seymour, and New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.
Their divisive rhetoric, fueled by misinformation and political opportunism, has inadvertently created a space for Labour to embrace a more authentic and equitable approach to Te Tiriti moving into the next election. Their actions, driven by a narrow and self-serving agenda, have ultimately backfired, pushing the country towards a more inclusive and progressive vision
The Spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi:
The time is ripe for Aotearoa to move beyond the political machinations and embrace the true spirit of Te Tiriti. This historic agreement, signed in 1840, envisioned a partnership between Māori and the Crown, establishing a shared future built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
Photo / 1 News
This vision, however, has been repeatedly undermined by colonial policies and a lack of genuine commitment to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti.
Hipkins’ acknowledgement of Māori not ceding sovereignty presents a unique opportunity to finally realize the aspirations of the Te Tiriti signatories. By embracing this fundamental truth, Aotearoa New Zealand can embark on a path of reconciliation and unity, where Māori and non-Māori work together as Tangata Whenua with Tangata Tiriti Partners.
All are Treaty Partners:
This partnership potential will cultivate a truly multi-cultural nation, that embraces the diverse heritage and contributions of all its citizens. It commences with those who have whakapapa that represents both Tangata Whenua Māori and Tangata Tiriti Pākehā, and all the other blends in between. This partnership also acknowledges newer treaty partners who have contributed to Aotearoa New Zealand in meaningful ways. They include:
–Lydia Ko: Born in Seoul, Korea has won a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
–Israel Adesanya: born in Lagos, Nigeria, a former UFC Middleweight Champion, having held the title from 2019 to 2022. – UFC Interim Middleweight Champion: Adesanya also held the UFC Interim Middleweight Championship in 2019.
–Precious Mckenzie: Born in Durban Natal South Africa won a total of four consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals, an unprecedented feat in his weight class. – He is a five-time world powerlifting champion
– Sir Anand Satyanand (Former Governor-General): Fijian nationality, he served as the 21st Governor-General of New Zealand, promoting social justice and cultural diversity.
-Raybon Kan: is of Chinese heritage, and is a well-known New Zealand comedian, newspaper columnist, and television personality.
–Jonah Lomu: Tongan heritage. He was known for his incredible size and speed, making him a force to be reckoned with on the rugby field.
Whilst there are many more examples, this gives but a snapshot of the potential in this country.
This shift in perspective requires a commitment to meaningful action. Aotearoa New Zealand needs a government that actively promotes Māori self-determination, invests in Māori communities, and upholds the rights and aspirations of Tangata Whenua, and all its Tangata Tiriti partners. To make this aspiration a reality, concrete steps must be taken by:
– Building our Allies: Every single person in this country is a Treaty partner due to Hobson signing on behalf of Great Britain and all future generations that come to this country. This means putting white fragility, prejudice, discrimination and feelings of inadequacy due to the actions of ancestors to the side and work as treaty partners with New Zealand European, Asian New Zealanders, African New Zealanders, Pasifika New Zealanders. All nations that are in New Zealand.
– Upholding Treaty Principles: The government must actively implement the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in all policy areas, ensuring that Māori have a genuine voice in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Until governments get this part right, kotahitanga and or unity will never exist.
– Sharing Power: The Crown should enable a co governance structure where Māori and the Crown share decision-making authority.
– Addressing Historical Wrongs: The government must actively address historical injustices, including the ongoing effects of colonization and the ongoing settlement of historical grievances. This includes acknowledging past wrongs, providing reparations, and ensuring that future generations are not burdened by the legacy of colonialism.
– Promoting Cultural Understanding: Education initiatives should focus on promoting understanding and appreciation of Māori culture, language, and history, fostering a more inclusive and respectful society.
The Next Potential Coalition Government:
This next potential coalition government, united by Labour, the Greens, and Te Pati Māori, stands poised to usher in a transformative era. Their shared commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and social justice provides a powerful foundation for our nation.
Labour Party leader Hipkins, with a keen understanding of the need for unity, has skillfully aligned with the vision of Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu, who called for kotahitanga (unity). This alignment also extends to the Iwi Leaders Forum, Ngā iwi Māori, and their Treaty partners and allies, creating a powerful 78 billion dollar economic force for positive change.
Together, they can build a future where the principles of Te Tiriti guide our nation, fostering a society where all voices are heard, and where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
A new era beckons. This next coalition government holds the potential to forge a profound and lasting partnership between the Crown and Māori, one that truly honors Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Imagine a future where the unique talents and perspectives of all New Zealanders are valued and celebrated, where collaboration and mutual respect pave the way for a society where everyone can flourish. This is the vision we must strive for, a vision where the principles of equity, justice, and shared prosperity become the guiding light for our nation.
Conclusion:
The future of Aotearoa rests on the strength of our commitment to Te Tiriti. Labour leader Minister Hipkins’ recent statement, acknowledging the Treaty’s enduring importance, offers a glimmer of hope. But words alone are not enough. The true measure of our progress lies in translating this commitment into tangible actions that benefit all New Zealanders. Let us work together to ensure that Te Tiriti is not merely a historical document, but a living, breathing guide for our nation’s future. Together, we can build a society where the principles of partnership, equity, and justice are woven into the fabric of our nation, creating a brighter future for generations to come.
Photo / Mcconachy J
Reference:
1 News.( 4 Feb 2024). Te Tiriti: the differences between Maori & English texts explained. [Image] Retrieved 27/08/2024 from: https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/02/04/te-tiriti-the-differences-between-the-maori-and-english-texts-explained/
Mcconachy J.(5 Feb 2024). Māori never ceded sovereignty, nor will they. [Image] Retrieved 27/08/2024 from: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2-5ptxS0rY/?igsh=MWFtODBocmc2YmsxMg==
NZ Herald. (2024). Labour acknowledges that Māori didn’t cede sovereignty: Willie Jackson. [Image]. Retrieved 27/08/2024 from: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/labour-acknowledges-maori-did-not-cede-sovereignty-willie-jackson/Q5QXIHITKNAWDJITMBHOYAWF44/
Te Ao. (2024). Chris Hopkins: Did Maori cede sovereignty. Retrieved 27/08/2024 from: https://youtu.be/DScbeWuQ27Y?si=OhMiuBRI9P4–Stj
