Strong commitment to anniversary
Treaty continues to influence how our country operates
On Saturday a Waitangi Day commemoration was held at Whakarongotai Marae in Waikanae. As hundreds gathered to be welcomed into that historic and special place, it was clear that there is a strong commitment in our community to honouring this important anniversary.
I recently took a trip to the Far North. As I travelled to Te Rerenga Waiura, Cape Reinga, it was a journey of discovery.
Of the first arrival of Te Kupe, the life that was led there until the arrival of Europeans, the land that was taken, the lives that were turned upside down, and injustices that happened there.
The North is also the home of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi. As we gathered at the marae on Saturday, thousands gathered there over the weekend and on Tuesday to mark this important anniversary.
It’s the anniversary of a unique founding document for our country. Words which embed and formalise the relationship with the indigenous people of Aotearoa, recognising their rights and our obligations as settlers and government.
Nearly two centuries on, those initial words have continued to influence how our country operates.
We have made progress as a country, to work together, to recognise and celebrate the unique culture which exists here, to learn
So much effort goes in by our iwi partners to make it work, both by individuals and as a group.
from each other, to form relationships and partnerships.
But this is a pivotal time. We have everything to gain from building on relationships and honouring indigenous culture, and so much to lose if we don’t.
We also have a part to play in making sure that political motivation and lack of understanding don’t stand in the way of continuing the progress we’ve made so far.
Locally, two of our iwi are in the midst of Treaty settlements. Through that process, so much history has been uncovered and brought into the light. There is such an opportunity in the coming years to learn, to use that information to make sure we right the wrongs of the past and move forward together positively.
As a council, we’re proud of our enduring partnership with Mana Whenua.
It’s the longest standing partnership agreement of its kind in the country, and has formed the basis of a constantly evolving and improving way of working together. From our Te Whakaminenga forums where we meet with our iwi partners, to our iwi representatives who sit at all council and committee meetings, consultation and engagement, housing work, and everything else we do together, this relationship is a tā onga, precious and strong.
So much effort goes in by our iwi partners to make it work, both by individuals and as a group.
We are grateful for the commitment from all of our iwi to the work that goes on at council, and we’re grateful for the learning opportunities they provide for us to discover Te Ao Mā ori and te reo Mā ori and embed these into our work as elected members and staff.
This learning isn’t just within the council buildings, it is nutured and flourishes elsewhere, at school, at work, in recreation, in everyday life.
Saturday was an opportunity for learning, growth, and reflection for all who attended.
It was an opportunity to recognise the significance of this time, to honour our relationships and to celebrate the journey so far and what may come next.