It seemed like a particularly poignant year to be at Waitangi for the annual celebrations. After 15 months of mask-off attacks against Māori through various bills, policy shifts and attempts to undermine te reo and tikanga Māori, I expected to find warranted anger. Yes, there was some of that, but largely there was a spirit of optimism, organising, strength and resilience.
The unprecedented mass of last year’s hīkoi (sparked by the Treaty Principles Bill) was a sign of social solidarity and support for Te Tiriti, and for the continued journey it pushes us along.
Many Pākeha, like me, will see a trip to Waitangi as a type of pilgrimage that a person must do once in their lives, to see the birthplace of the commitment to partnership. For me, this urge came after hearing the late, great Moana Jackson address a room of union leaders. During that conversation, it was reaffirmed at a personal level that I am Tangata Tiriti. It shook away the naïve misapprehension I had held that having no British heritage and moving here two generations ago after war displaced us, put a buffer between me and our constitutional document, and the subsequent breaches and hurt inflicted on Māori.
In fact, none of us who call this place home can hide from the role Te Tiriti plays in our history. Moana Jackson of course, knew how to move people. As demonstrated with Matike Mai, he knew the power of conversation and unity.
As expected, at Waitangi there was plenty of deep discussion, debate and political reflection taking place, particularly around the forum tent, but all through the grounds of Waitangi. Like the union movement’s project, Reimagining Aotearoa Together, the focus was on a positive future for Aotearoa New Zealand.
I heard the voices of Māori from many generations, who understood the unusual nature of our current government, but held a resolute focus on keeping a positive view of our future in mind, one where all people are respected, the position of Tangata Whenua is unchallenged, Māori health and housing are reliable. A future where all have what they need and can thrive. Where Matauranga Māori and indigenous knowledge systems can be used to enhance life for everyone.
Add to that all the stalls of kai, Rongoa Māori, performances and great fashion and crafts. If I went up feeling glum about the direction the country is moving in, I certainly left feeling enthusiasm for who we can be.
What I gladly did not experience was much time wasted on discussion about the Prime Minister’s lack of attendance or Seymour’s attempts at grandstanding or antagonising people. When I commented on how difficult it must be to not want to have a go at someone using their small power to hurt Māori rights, I was told “we’ve had a lot of practice dealing with this stuff”.
Yes, looking ahead to our shared and positive future, and seeing the current anti Māori and anti-worker stunts as a wee blip in our history, that’s my takeaway from Waitangi. Play the long game and keep your head up and arms linked.