The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi is important for us all living here in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed on February 6, 1840, and was an agreement between a large number of Rangatira Māori (not all) and representatives of the British Crown.
Te Tiriti enabled non-Māori to settle in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Rangatira Māori had a vision of partnership and shared power and authority with the Crown. Te Tiriti promised to protect Māori society, culture, and knowledge, and maintain mana over Māori land and people.
The translated English version of Te Tiriti does not honor this agreement, and while the Government is now committed to their relationship with Māori and the improvement of services and outcomes for Māori, Māori continue to pursue settlement claims with the Crown to put right to the wrong of the past.
The Role of Leaders
All leaders have an obligation to strengthen their commitment to Te Tiriti and integrate the principles of the treaty (partnership, participation and protection) into their ways of working.
The best leaders are those that ensure we have a diverse workforce where everyone feels valued and able to contribute, and one that is reflective of all the communities that we serve. Leaders who value Māori perspectives and encourage Māori participation in critical roles honor Te Tiriti and help to promote an inclusive environment where people thrive.
The inclusion of Māori perspectives and cultural values improves the development of effective policies, provides a greater understanding of issues for Māori, delivers improved outcomes and wellbeing for Māori, and enriches the Crown’s relationship with Māori.
What can you do to honor Te Tiriti
- Respect Māori language – Respecting the language reflects our respect for Māori culture. Integrating Te Reo in your everyday vocabulary, learn the correct pronunciation of people and places and actively work to develop a greater understanding of the language.
I had fun ordering a coffee in Te Reo Māori (Te tono kawhe i te reo Māori) to celebrate Te wiki o te reo Language week 13 – 22 September 2021. Check out my Instagram reel here
- Continue to educate yourself – Not only on historic events like Te Tiriti, but also Te ao Māori concepts, knowledge, values and perspectives, and Tikanga Māori (protocols and customs).
- Integrate the principles of Te Tiriti in the workplace – Continuing to develop a partnership approach by delivering with and for Māori
Other resources you may find helpful:
- Values of engagement – ensuring that the public sector engagement with Maori is meaningful
- 10 ways to honor the Treaty
Have a great day on Sunday 6 February and Monday 7 February the day we recognise Aotearoa/New Zealand’s public holiday – the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi, such a critical time in our history.
Ngā mihi nui
Mel Beirne
Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu (with feathers a bird can fly)
