Two major events defined the month of Haratua (May). One was the huge turnout of Māori and allies around the motu on Budget Day to protest the coalition government’s approach to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and policies affecting Māori. At the heart of the national day of action was resistance to the ACT Party’s proposed Treaty Principles Bill and associated moves to remove Treaty clauses from existing legislation. The series of peaceful protests was as much an assertion of mana Māori motuhake and a collective desire for a more just and equitable Aotearoa, as it was an expression of no confidence in the government.
The same week saw the release of the 2023 census results showing that nearly one million (one in five) New Zealanders report having whakapapa Māori. The iwi data trust Te Kāhui Raraunga was front and centre of the release, providing commentary on what the results mean for Te Ao Māori, and providing access to the data through their bespoke iwi data platform Te Whata.
Both of these events were seeking, in different ways, to give expression to our collective identities as Māori and chart a course toward flourishing Māori futures - a kaupapa that animates everything we do at Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga.
In Haratua we also held a Horizon Europe webinar for Māori researchers. It was very well attended and provided our network with useful tips and information on the opportunities available through the European Union research fund and the potential for future collaborations.
Ngā Pou Matarua | Co-Directors
- Professor Tahu Kukutai
- Professor Linda Waimarie Nikora