We, as New Zealanders, are not always known to feel comfortable singing our praises. Though there’s one day a year when it’s not just acceptable, we are expected to do just that.
February 6, this year, marks the 179th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi).
This “special” day is a public holiday, with most viewing it as just that, a day off work.
It is the perfect excuse to indulge in everything we love most about New Zealand, from our beaches and parks to our arts, culture and delicious variety of food [kai]. All over the country, there are celebrations, with the more official one located at the site where it all began.
Waitangi.
Then there is the other side of this National Day off – Waitangi Day.
At school, I learned about the basics of both the Maori and Pakeha perspectives on our history.
Most of my growing-up years were within the Bay of Plenty. This area had a substantial Maori population, which in turn meant we had some influence from the local Marae and Maori culture within our schooling system.
The importance of Maori and other cultures has changed dramatically within our schooling system. Thankfully, for the betterment of learning about and acceptance of other cultures. But, like with most school systems, it is far from perfect.
At the beginning of my schooling years, there seemed to be a balance between the two histories. During chats with others outside the schooling system, I started to learn more about the Maori perspective on that same history. There were indeed more significant and profound variations in the interpretations of historical events.
Even significant events, such as Te Kooti’s foray into Poverty Bay and the tragic attack on the community at Matawhero near Gisborne, were seen by the two sides as different as chalk and cheese.
Part of my Whakapapa [family history] originates from the region of Poverty Bay.
I had a Pakeha working-class upbringing that mostly allowed me to view, learn and accept (or not) the various viewpoints and to view history accordingly.
For most of my young adult years, I avoided this controversy as most years I was living overseas. However, I found the Treaty of Waitangi to be more about the politicians and activists. For me, it was still a continued source of confusion, contradictory opinions and rhetoric.
Years later, studying to be a teacher in a tertiary institution that leaned heavily towards the Maori interpretation made it even easier for me to come to terms with both the Maori and the Pakeha side of events.
For many, the above document is seen as New Zealand’s founding document.
Does it still have to be a vehicle for more angst in the form of protests, anger as seen in previous years and less so about inclusion or unity?.
One thing is certain: it is more than just a cringe-worthy melee that the media loves and probably encourages. I think Waitangi Day, or at least the idea of a special commemorative day, should continue. Perhaps not in its current format.
Isn’t it time that we as a country re-think how we celebrate this day at Waitangi?.
Going by last year’s Waitangi Day and the visit from our current Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, we may have the beginnings of change.
A movement of Aroha [love]?.
The beginning of a special, reflective and non-confrontational event on the Treaty Grounds.
Would we have a day that would be focussed on celebrating our unity, our minds and souls pointed to the future?
I say make it a day about the people, with a stronger focus on the future, and still acknowledge our collective views of the past with respect.
He aha te mea Nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?
He Tangata, he Tangata, he Tangata
It is the people; it is the people; it is the people
Maori proverb
Links for further reading:
A brief history of The Treaty of Waitangi
Maori Law Review – The Meaning and Purpose of the Treaty of Waitangi
Life at No. 22 
After reading this post, it seems that NZ taught much more of its history than Australia did (not sure about does).
We learnt barely anything about Aboriginal history. Tragic really as had we learnt more, then maybe a higher percentage of Australians would empathise with what the owners of our land endured.
Australia has an awful history.
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Yes, unfortunately Australia has not acknowledged their tangata whenua [original people of the land] in a fair and just way. Having said that, there are people that do so and hopefully over time there will be more. In New Zealand we are more integrated. After all our travels there is no such thing as a perfect society in any country. We all have a long way to go to totally live in harmony.
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Totally agree with all those points.
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The powerful have always written the history books. We have the same issue here with the Native American culture… what I learned in school was not necessarily the full truth. Fortunately, as you said, things are starting to change and Waitangi Day sounds like a good opportunity to educate the public and reflect on your history.
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When we visited New York and down New Orleans way, we couldn’t find any information regarding the history of the Native American. I found that really sad. Though it could have been down to me not researching enough to find an art gallery or museum that featured their art and history. In New Zealand, the tangata whenua is very much acknowledged throughout the country, maybe not as much as some people would like it to be.
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A day seems hardly enough to consider a treaty, especially if you’re not used to the written word being important. I suppose that’s how the people my ancestors served took over the world.
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The treaty papers were taken around the country to be signed, though many did not agree to it. It was then taken back to Waitangi where it was signed by The Crown and the Maori representatives. It is a very complex issue and I am relucant to comment too much as I can’t remember as many of the details as I used to be able to do!
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This reminds me of learning the Maori Stick Song, E papä wairi when I was a Girl Guide doing my Commonwealth Badge. I imagine I have an exceptionally clinical and heavily censored understanding of NZ – or as they’d say here, I know sweet FA!
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Yes, I remember doing the stick song when I was about 12 – 14 years. I also remember I kept getting out of rhythm! Living near so many other countries learning Maori would not have been a priority or a necessity. Many N.Z.ers think the same now as it’s a language that is not spoken anywhere else. I wish I was a natural at learning languages. Oral communication is not one of my strengths!!
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Nor me! And I feel the same, I’d like to know both Irish and/or Scots. There is more to language than vocabulary. Celtic languages are very descriptive, you have to think differently to speak fluently and I think that challenge is why Ireland may have so many storytellers.
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There are many similarities between the Irish and Maori cultures! The Irish was also wonderful joke tellers 😊
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History and religion… it is such a shame that those who can choose to be selective in how much and what children are taught and how much is preserved for future generations…Much history is lost this way.
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In many societies, it isn’t as restrictive as it was years ago. Though many like Turkey are still very much and heading towards more restrictions due to their current leader.
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Hi, Suzanne – I knew nothing about Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
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You are most welcome, Donna. Not surprising that you haven’t heard of it, we are a smallish country and don’t hit the headlines overseas very often!
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I didn’t know about any of this Suzanne, (although, I suppose as an English, Yorkshire lass, how would I?) I love to learn about history, this is so interesting. We have to wonder how much of what we are told is the actual truth. Such a good post
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Thanks Sam, even some New Zealanders don’t know exactly what it’s all about. Let alone a young Yorkshire lass. The biggest problem was the translation from Maori to English. Some words the translator should have know the significance of the land to the Maori people. Hindsight sight is a wonderful thing!!
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I always had a passion for learning about history but have to confess to not knowing much about NZ history – you’ve helped me there with this post, Suzanne: thank you! And I love the Maori proverb – absolutely right!!
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Thanks Sam, as I mentioned to Sam. Even NZers don’t all know about it!! They are trying to include it in schools as a compulsory subject. It’s Waitangi day empty chatter. The cynic in me says “Yeah right”.
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An interesting History..
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It certainly is!
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I’m learning about Waitangi Day from this post. Thanks, Suzanne, for sharing.
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Thanks for sharing that Natalie, one of the reasons for writing up this post was to highlight The Treaty as most people are not aware of it or know what is written in it. That includes New Zealanders as well!
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Nice to see more about waitangi day….had to search for it though. Pleased to find your write up. Great stuff
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Thanks very much, and glad to hear you enjoyed reading it.
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Yes indeed… Needed to get some more waitangi vibes outside my own blogosphere.
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That was really interesting Suzanne – I’d never heard of Waitangi Day (and I live not that far from NZ!) So much cultural history and great to see it being celebrated rather than argued over (like it is here in Australia)Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
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Leanne, as previously stated, it’s not surprising that you don’t know about it. It is not overly talked about in the media or within other schooling curriculum, and, even NZ.
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It’s still the 6th here, Suzanne, but I’m probably too late to wish you happy Waitangi Day! I hope you had a peaceful one. I agree that it’s time to let the past go and look to the future. Who in this world of ours has an unblemished history? 🙂 🙂
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Well, my Waitangi Day was a good one, as I went tramping into the bush. A wonderful time and a day of learning more about the local area. My new boots did me proud not one blister in sight!! Today is a rest day.
Jo, I also, can’t think of one country that has an unblemished history.
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What an interesting post Suz! I learnt something from reading this and am glad this history is taught in NZ schools. Living in harmony is something we should all aspire to, no matter where we live! Have pinned and shared for #mlstl
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I find New Zealand history and the Maori culture so interesting Suzanne. Thank you for sharing the significance of Waitangi Day and more about the beautiful country you live in. #MLSTL
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So very interesting Suzanne however I confess to knowing very little about NZ history. But I do agree that we need to learn from the past and focus on the future if we’re to live in peace.
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Absolutely agree that we learn from the past to go forward in a positive direction. Though we humans have not done that justice of far.
As they say, the next generations turn! We need leaders/orators with a good mandate!
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