The impact of colonialism can’t be reversed, but as New Zealand implements the UN declaration new ideas emerge of a state that represents first peoples more fairly.
The land occupation at Ihumātao brings together Māori and heritage activists seeking to stop a housing development on a site that marks the earliest human occupation of New Zealand.
Alika Wells/Wikimedia
The land occupation at Ihumātao, near Auckland’s airport, is reviving forms of protest common in the 1970s, now enhanced by new media and led by a new generation of Māorikeen to see grievances addressed.
On February 6, 1840, representatives of the British Crown and Māori chiefs acting on behalf of their tribes signed the Treaty of Waitangi.
from Wikimedia Commons
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, is New Zealand’s foundation document. But debate continues about the exact meaning of the treaty text.
The New Zealand government’s decision to close charter schools has prompted criticism from Māori leaders because some of the schools have predominantly Māori rolls.
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The New Zealand government’s move to close charter schools as part of its education reform has prompted strong Māori criticism.
Despite the Treaty of Waitangi, acts by both the British Crown and successive New Zealand governments have had detrimental effects on the Māori population.
AAP Image/SNPA Pool, David Rowland
Reconciliation efforts were established in New Zealand 30 years ago to tackle grievances stemming from government initiatives that have seen Māori lose both resources and power.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University