Wānanga Tiriti o Waitangi

Over the weekend, we came together for a two-day wānanga exploring what Te Tiriti o Waitangi means for Ngāti Toa Rangatira, where we have come from, where we are now, and where we are heading.

Saturday morning began with kōrero about our Treaty settlement journey, taking us back to where it all began and the determination of the original claimants who paved the way for our iwi today.

In 1986, 14 Ngāti Toa individuals lodged the Ngāti Toa Tribunal Claim (Wai 207) on behalf of the iwi. The claim covered our extensive traditional rohe, from Whangaehu to the Tararua Ranges, south to Turakirae Heads, across Raukawa Moana to Kaikōura and west to Arahura. It was later divided into three districts of inquiry: Wellington/Port Nicholson, Te Tau Ihu and Porirua ki Whanganui.

This settlement journey is deeply connected to Te Tiriti – from seeking acknowledgement of past breaches through to the ongoing responsibility to uphold our rights and interests for future generations.

In the absence of Tā Matiu Rei and Miria Pomare, we heard from Jennie Smeaton, (Claims Settlement Administrator) and Te Ariki Wineera (Te Kaha) about their experiences throughout the settlement process.

Their kōrero highlighted the challenges, determination and many considerations along the way, reminding us that this journey was never simply about money. It was about our people, our history, our rights and the future of Ngāti Toa Rangatira.

The kōrero also gave us some of the less visible insights into the settlement process – the constant negotiation, the back and forth, and the careful consideration that went into how things were positioned. It was a reminder that settlement was not a single event, but an ongoing process of negotiation, advocacy and decision-making.

We also heard insights into the ‘Haka Attribution Act’ and the work that continues around protecting and acknowledging the significance of ‘Ka Mate’.

Last year alone, Ngāti Toa received around 6,000 requests to use the haka, yet the legislation has limited weight when it comes to enforcement.

The kōrero highlighted both what was achieved through the legislation and the ongoing responsibility and challenge to protect the mana and significance of our taonga.

The wānanga gave us a rare opportunity to hear some of the context and experiences behind decisions. There were many gems throughout the morning, giving us a much deeper understanding of what the settlement journey involved.

The kōrero then moved from the settlement journey to what it has meant to enact and uphold the commitments made through settlement. We heard from Te Mana Taiao Kaiwhakahaere Aimee Bishop, alongside kaimahi Jaida Howard and Jaquan Nin, about the mahi now underway to protect and advance Ngāti Toa interests across our rohe.

Their work spans nine councils, from Manawatū to Te Tau Ihu, advocating for Ngāti Toa interests in resource management and te taiao. Their kōrero reinforced the importance of continuing to put forward our views and ensure Ngāti Toa interests are heard, even when progress can be slow.

They also spoke about the privilege of doing iwi mahi – work that is not always easy, but carries a unique sense of responsibility, purpose and connection to our people.

Our CE, Helmut Modlik, finished the morning session by reflecting on the years following Tā Matiu Rei’s leadership, including the challenges of building the iwi’s future through COVID-19 and other significant changes.

He shared insights into the use of settlement mechanisms, including the right of first refusal and deferred settlement processes, which have supported the acquisition of schools across the Wellington region and into the Hutt Valley, with the goal of eventual outright ownership by Ngāti Toa.

The reacquisition of whenua, including Whitireia maunga and Pikarere Farm, has also been integral to this journey.

Together, these kōrero gave us a deeper appreciation of the work, sacrifice and responsibility behind our settlement, and the privilege of carrying that mahi forward.

Following lunch and through Sunday, Veronica Tawhai explored the evolution of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi & the Treaty principles and how they have been shaped by key events throughout our history.

She broke down some of the misconceptions and narratives associated with the context behind why Te Tiriti o Waitangi was created and the two different versions of the document. The evidence that Veronica explained was also supported by kōrero from our whānau and mātauranga from the history of Ngāti Toa Rangatira.

In the current context of the Treaty Principles Bill, it was particularly valuable to understand that the principles introduced through the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 were part of a much longer history of Māori resistance and the pursuit of our rights.

We reflected on the many ways our whānau have upheld these rights, through armed warfare, peaceful resistance and movements such as the Kīngitanga and the Māori Parliament. It was humbling to hear about our own whānau and iwi involvement in these movements, including kōrero from Uncle Maikara and Te Ariki about the two pōhutukawa planted at the marae waharoa while manuhiri stayed at the marae during the 1975 Land March, and the story of Ouenuku Rene leading the Māori Language Petition to Parliament.

A standout from the wānanga was the reminder of how easily we can take for granted the mahi and sacrifices of those who came before us.

It also reinforced that the work of upholding Te Tiriti is not something that sits only in our history. It continues through the mahi being done across our iwi, our organisations and our communities today.

Nei ra te mihi nui ki a koe Veronica for the thoughtful and engaging way of facilitating kōrero. Your gentle approach, insightful whakaaro and ability to create space for people to listen, learn and reflect was a real strength of the wānanga.

Thank you also to all our kaikōrero, iwi members and whānau who shared their knowledge, experiences and whakaaro over the weekend.

And a special acknowledgement to Kāpiti Coast District Council for sponsoring the wānanga for the three iwi partners of Te Whakaminenga.

Their support provided an important opportunity for us to come together, learn from our shared history and strengthen our understanding of Te Tiriti and the relationships that continue to shape our region.

In closing, we share kōrero from Iwikatea Nicholson’s Witness Brief, June 2003, “Kia tupato, kia kaua koutou e haere hianga haere, haere whakahihi haere, me whakaiti koe i a koe. Kia mohio mai koutou, ko koutou nga teina o nga teina katoa”

“Na kia mau kite pono, kite tika, koe i mohio ai”.