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A Question of Sovereignty: Re-Assessing the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
It’s a model which ensures individual action is taken for the benefit of the collective; that the wellbeing of the land and people is paramount; and that the interests of future generations lie at the heart of every decision.
By Kevin Helas
In December, the Māori Kiingi (King) Tuheitia made a royal proclamation to all Māori, calling for a national hui (meeting) based on January 20 at Tūrangawaewae marae, Ngāruawāhia.
The kaupapa (plan, set of principles) for this meeting was to create a space for Māori to come together to discuss Tākiri Tuu Te Kotahitanga, Tākiri Tuu te Mana Motuhake, or ‘Unity together as we strive for self-determination.’
It was prompted largely by a series of initiatives announced by the incoming coalition government, many of which had direct and significant impact on Māori, not least the suggestion that there would be a bill put forward to re-assess the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand.
The Treaty of Waitangi
