Female speaking rights advocated at Waitangi
WAITANGI: The GovernorGeneral looks forward to when every New Zealander can have an ‘‘informed conversation’’ about the Treaty of Waitangi and see it as a ‘‘source of pride and possibility’’.
Dame Patsy Reddy made the remarks yesterday morning in her fifth appearance at Waitangi in her role, an opportunity she said had always been an ‘‘important honour’’.
Dame Patsy was formally welcomed at a powhiri on the treaty grounds, escorted by her kuia Hiria Hape and kaumatua Joe Harawira, and flanked by kuia Titewhai Harawira, as she was met with the traditional challenge by Tai Tokerau warriors.
After formal speeches, Dame Patsy, spoke from the mahua (porch) of the whare runanga, reflecting on how far the country had come, and how much more work had to be done.
Over her tenure attending Waitangi as representative of the Crown Treaty partner, she had heard Maori express social concerns, environmental issues and the impacts of climate change, and ongoing Treaty grievances, the largest of which — Ngapuhi — remained unresolved.
Dame Patsy also made clear her views on the recent announcement to teach New
Zealand history in school, covering everything from the first arrivals to the New Zealand
Wars and the impacts of colonisation.
‘‘I am thrilled all children will soon be learning the history of Aotearoa as part of the curriculum, so when they visit Waitangi they will know what and why they are visiting. It will be so much more profound.
‘‘I look forward to the time when every citizen is able to have an informed conversation about Te Tiriti relationship, see it as a source of pride and possibility.’’
National Party Judith Collins and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern have both welcomed a promise from Waitangi elders to reconsider a decision not to allow Ms Collins or other women leaders speak at Te Whare Runanga, despite letting Ms Ardern speak there.
The politicians were welcomed on to the runanga on the Treaty grounds yesterday afternoon, but Ms Ardern was the only woman allowed a speaking slot.
That issue was gently raised by National speaker and deputy leader Shane Reti, during his speech in te reo.
He asked them to please reconsider it, saying it saddened them that the women could not speak.
In response, Ngapuhi elder Waihoroi Shortland promised it would be allowed to happen next year, although that would likely require some wider decisionmaking for the Waitangi Trust which made the decision.
Ms Collins not being able to speak had disappointed her and it was important women growing into leadership roles knew they had the same rights as men.
Ms Ardern, who has spoken there since she became prime minister, said she would support a move to allow other women leaders to speak.
‘‘I was heartened to hear that call being made that next year it would be different. It would be fantastic to allow all leaders to speak, just as I have that privilege.’’ — The New Zealand Herald