E Tiriti Through Two Lenses: A Kōrero Between Tangata Whenua And Tangata Tiriti
Saturday 28 June 2025 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
This Matariki season, Aucklanders are invited to deepen their understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Ka mua ka muri: Moving forward with Te Tiriti o Waitangi — a timely and energising conversation between two of Aotearoa's most thoughtful commentators on Tiriti justice, education, and the evolving relationship between Māori and Pākehā.
Held in the Whare Wānanga at Auckland Central Library as part of the Tāmaki Untold series, the event features Roimata Smail, author of Understanding Te Tiriti, in conversation with Avril Bell, author of Becoming Tangata Tiriti.
Together, they will explore the significance of Te Tiriti in 2025: how we honour its principles, hold power to account, and move forward in partnership — ka mua, ka muri — by learning from our past.
Roimata Smail (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui, England, Scotland, Ireland) is a lawyer who has specialised in Te Tiriti o Waitangi for over 20 years. She represented lead claimants in the Waitangi Tribunal's WAI2575 inquiry, which led to the establishment of Te Aka Whai Ora, the Māori Health Authority.
Her commitment to public education is reflected in her Tiriti workshops (treatytraining.com) and the creation of waiako.com, a free online resource for schools covering Te Tiriti, New Zealand history, te reo Māori, and financial literacy.
'What most surprises me about the response to Understanding Te Tiriti,' says Roimata, 'is how good it seems to make people feel. Even though it covers some very dark parts of our history, the consistent feedback is that it leaves people feeling hopeful, positive and energised — simply by knowing the facts.'
She adds, 'It feels really special to be presenting this kōrero with Avril. Having Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti together, each bringing a different perspective and book, is exactly the kind of partnership Te Tiriti calls for.'
Joining Roimata is Avril Bell, a Pākehā sociologist and Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, whose work explores Pākehā identity and the long shadow of colonialism. Her latest book, Becoming Tangata Tiriti (Auckland University Press, 2024), invites Pākehā to engage in the hard but necessary work of becoming genuine Tiriti partners.
'One thing my research has taught me, is how lucky we are to have Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a guide to what our relationships might be. And, like Roimata, I have been struck by how positive and hopeful people are in response to Becoming Tangata Tiriti. There is definitely a growing understanding of how significant te Tiriti is for all of us and interest in contributing to a more positive future of Tangata Whenua-Tangata Tiriti relations.'
Reflecting on the road ahead, Roimata says, 'I think what's next for Aotearoa is more of what has already begun — especially in response to the Treaty Principles Bill. People are starting to expect more from our politicians and are holding them to a higher standard, in how we treat each other and honour Te Tiriti in real, everyday ways.'
This event marks Roimata's third collaboration with Auckland Libraries. 'It's always been a really positive and energising experience — great people, good kōrero,' she says. 'And this time, it's going to be fun to have a friend and partner with me for the conversation.'
Avril likewise says 'I'm really looking forward to this conversation with Roimata – and those who come to the event. I love the fact that te Tiriti always gives us plenty to talk about.'
Tāmaki Untold is a curated monthly talk series hosted by Auckland Libraries' Research and Heritage Services, celebrating the taonga, stories and creativity of Tāmaki Makaurau.
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