Latest news with #TheTreatyofWaitangi
The Spinoff
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
‘Keri Hulme brought me thumping back to earth': Ross Calman's books confessional
Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits of Aotearoa writers, and guests. This week: Ross Calman (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Kāi Tahu), author of The Treaty of Waitangi which is a finalist for the Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction at the 2025 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. The book I wish I'd written Gee, what a tricky question, there are so many great books, but each is so individual that it's almost impossible to think about them being written by someone else, let alone by me! Without overthinking this one, I'm going to go for Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. I have read this several times and always marvel at its perfection. There is not a word out of place and it builds inevitably to its devastating conclusion. And it blows my mind that English was Conrad's third (or maybe even fourth?) language! Everyone should read New Zealand writers because they speak to us about what is important for us in this country now. I believe that focusing on our local communities is very important, especially in this time when there is so much trouble abroad in the political and environmental spheres. The book I want to be buried with Maybe not actually buried with, but a book I have a lot of fondness for is Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence. It's a book that meant a lot to me when I was aged 18–21. I haven't read Lawrence for a long time and doubt it would have the same impact on me now as I am at a different stage of life, but it is special because I read it when I had just left home and was finding myself as a person. The first book I remember reading by myself It may have been the Berenstains' Bike Lesson, or this may be a memory that I am borrowing from my own children when they were small and could 'read' this book. Either way, it is a brilliant book with wonderful timeless humour – an absolute classic! Fiction or nonfiction I am totally on the fence, I love both and the boundary between the two is getting blurrier all the time! I was a judge for this year's Ockham New Zealand Book Awards and had to read 55 non-fiction books towards the end of last year. Since then, I've read nothing but fiction to compensate, all by New Zealand writers, including Poorhara by Michelle Rahurahu, The Mires by Tina Makereti and Delirious by Damien Wilkins, all of which I have loved! The book that haunts me The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. It is a compelling ghost story and mystery, and one of my all-time favourite books. The Moonstone by the same author is not far behind. Most underrated book Going West by Maurice Gee. I fricking love everything by Maurice Gee and particularly this book, but you never hear it being mentioned when there are discussions of New Zealand's best novels, or even Maurice Gee's best novels! Encounter with an author In 2000 I was in Dunedin for Aukaha Kia Kaha festival, a Ngāi Tahu arts festival. During the festival I was lucky enough to attend a writing workshop that was being run by Keri Hulme. I remember describing my ideal writing situation, how I had this vision of a cottage by the sea where I would be away from all the distractions of modern life and I would be able to write my masterpieces. Keri brought me thumping back to earth, saying that I was really just procrastinating, that as writers we need to find the time and space to write, wherever we happen to be. It was such good advice that I still follow now. Wherever I am now, I try to start my day with an hour of creative writing (or half an hour if I am pushed for time). Greatest New Zealand book The Bone People, without a doubt. No other book has stayed with me, as this one has, after first reading it more than thirty years ago. I have read it four times and I am looking forward to reading it again soon to find out what it says to me now, in my current phase of life and with the current state of the world. Greatest New Zealand writer I am going to go nonfiction and say James Belich. No other New Zealand writer has brought the past to life with such vibrancy and made it seem so vital. He has had a huge impact on my own career exploring the worlds of my tūpuna. Best thing about reading It's a low-tech activity that you can do alone and in many different spaces: on the bus; waiting for a haircut; in a café; lying on the beach; lying on the couch. Best food memory from a book Midnight in Sicily by the Australian writer, Peter Robb. It's a mix of mafia, recent and more remote Italian history, and Sicilian culture, with lashings of food and wine. I also recommend his A Death in Brazil, where he does the same thing for Brazilian politics and culture. Best place to read I used to love reading in the bath, but now that I wear glasses, this is not so practical, as they fog up. I also love reading while on holiday, at a bach or even in a tent. I walked Te Araroa for two months over the summer of 2023/24 and I used to love the half an hour or so at the end of each day lying in my tent reading. Sometimes I was so tired though, that I could only manage a few pages. What I'm reading right now Owen Marshall's short story collection, Return to Harikoa Bay, and I'm absolutely loving it. Each story is a perfectly constructed artefact, a tiny world that it is fun and stimulating to inhabit. They are the perfect length to read at bedtime. The Treaty of Waitangi by Ross Calman ($30, Oratia Media) is available to purchase through Unity Books.
Saudi Gazette
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
Waitangi Day: Thousands gather in NZ with Māori rights in focus
WAITANGI, New Zealand — Thousands of people have attended events in Waitangi in northern New Zealand, to celebrate the country's national Day marks the first signing of New Zealand's founding document: The Treaty of Waitangi or Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Mā Minister Christopher Luxon bucked tradition by choosing not to be in Waitangi for the celebrations, instead attending an event in the South year's commemorations come at a time of increased tensions, as the government pursues policies considered by some to be anti-Māori — including a bill which would reinterpret the 184-year Wednesday, the eve of the holiday, hundreds of Māori protesters staged a silent demonstration by turning their backs on government ministers, signalling their dissatisfaction with the handling of Indigenous party leader David Seymour — who is the architect of the controversial bill in question, known as the Treaty Principles Bill — also had his microphone taken away twice at the event."We are sick of talking to ears that will not listen, and to minds that will not change," Eru Kapa-Kingi — from the Toitū te Tiriti movement, which led the largest ever protest over Māori rights in 2024 — announced in December that he would not be at Waitangi — choosing instead to celebrate the day in the South Island with its largest tribe — or iwi in Māori — Ngāi are groups of people who are joined by their shared ancestry and connection to nature. Ngāi Tahu has roughly 74,000 members, according to New Zealand's last census."Today is a day to reflect on where we have come from and look forward to where we are going together as a nation," Luxon said in a video message from Akaroa."The treaty is central to our history and it is also critical to our future. When Māori. communities succeed, all of New Zealand benefits. We'll continue to deal with our differences respectfully and move forward together," he is not the first prime minister to miss the commemorations at Waitangi but his decision not to attend during a time of increased tensions between Māori and his government has drawn mixed Tahu said it welcomed the prime minister's decision to celebrate with them and that it was a time to "reflect on our shared strengthen the relationships between tangata whenua [Māori] and the Crown, for the benefit of all our communities in New Zealand".His political opponents have accused him of cowardice as his government pursues policies that many Māori consider offensive."When the prime minister doesn't even want to show up to Waitangi he's showing us he's not the person for the job — he doesn't want to govern for the people of this nation," said Green Party co-leader Marama Treaty of Waitangi was signed between many, but not all, Māori tribes and the British Crown at Waitangi on 6 February 1840 — giving both parties certain rights and Māori, this includes retaining chieftainship over their lands and resources, but differences between the Māori and English versions of the treaty have left it open to the promise to protect indigenous land rights was repeatedly broken and the economic and cultural impacts of this, coupled with racial discrimination, has led to an inequality that is still being addressed is in this context that the anniversary of the signing of the treaty has come an important day for discussions about the state of relations between Māori and the year's anniversary comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Treaty Principles minister who has been championing proposal — Act Party leader David Seymour — has attended, despite being asked not to by his hapū (sub-tribe).Proponents of the bill say it will promote equality among New Zealanders, but those against it say it is divisive and will further disadvantage Mā about the bill is so high that a national forum representing several iwi (Māori tribes) recently wrote a letter to King Charles — New Zealand's head of state — asking for his help."We seek your intervention to ensure that the government does not diminish the Crown's honour," the open letter reads."Please remind them to respect their responsibility to act as an honourable partner on your behalf."While it is unlikely the bill will pass — with Luxon and his majority National Party vowing to not back it at its second reading later this year — some of those who have participated in the public hearings about it say its very existence is an include former justice minister Kiritapu Allan, who described the proposed legislation as an "abomination"."This is a bill that is about scrubbing us [Māori] from history," she have supported it. Economist Ananish Chaudhuri said the conversation about enshrining the Treaty principles in law was needed "if New Zealand is to remain a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation".He also spoke out against a situation in which different cultures in New Zealand are treated differently, saying his birth nation of India was a "cautionary tale". Other steps the government has taken that have caused anger include the dissolution the Māori Health Authority — which was set up under the last Labour government to try and create greater health equality — and the removal of Māori names from government departments. — BBC
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Waitangi Day: Thousands gather in NZ with Māori rights in focus
Thousands of people have attended events in Waitangi in northern New Zealand, to celebrate the country's national day. Waitangi Day marks the first signing of New Zealand's founding document: The Treaty of Waitangi or Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Māori. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon bucked tradition by choosing not to be in Waitangi for the celebrations, instead attending an event in the South Island. This year's commemorations come at a time of increased tensions, as the government pursues policies considered by some to be anti-Māori - including a bill which would reinterpret the 184-year treaty. On Wednesday, the eve of the holiday, hundreds of Māori protesters staged a silent demonstration by turning their backs on government ministers, signalling their dissatisfaction with the handling of Indigenous issues. Act party leader David Seymour - who is the architect of the controversial bill in question, known as the Treaty Principles Bill - also had his microphone taken away twice at the event. "We are sick of talking to ears that will not listen, and to minds that will not change," Eru Kapa-Kingi - from the Toitū te Tiriti movement, which led the largest ever protest over Māori rights in 2024 - said. Luxon announced in December that he would not be at Waitangi - choosing instead to celebrate the day in the South Island with its largest tribe - or iwi in Māori - Ngāi Tahu. Iwi are groups of people who are joined by their shared ancestry and connection to nature. Ngāi Tahu has roughly 74,000 members, according to New Zealand's last census. "Today is a day to reflect on where we have come from and look forward to where we are going together as a nation," Luxon said in a video message from Akaroa. "The treaty is central to our history and it is also critical to our future. When Māori. communities succeed, all of New Zealand benefits. We'll continue to deal with our differences respectfully and move forward together," he added. Luxon is not the first prime minister to miss the commemorations at Waitangi but his decision not to attend during a time of increased tensions between Māori and his government has drawn mixed reactions. Ngāi Tahu said it welcomed the prime minister's decision to celebrate with them and that it was a time to "reflect on our shared strengthen the relationships between tangata whenua [Māori] and the Crown, for the benefit of all our communities in New Zealand". His political opponents have accused him of cowardice as his government pursues policies that many Māori consider offensive. "When the prime minister doesn't even want to show up to Waitangi he's showing us he's not the person for the job - he doesn't want to govern for the people of this nation," said Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed between many, but not all, Māori tribes and the British Crown at Waitangi on 6 February 1840 - giving both parties certain rights and privileges. For Māori, this includes retaining chieftainship over their lands and resources, but differences between the Māori and English versions of the treaty have left it open to interpretation. Nevertheless, the promise to protect indigenous land rights was repeatedly broken and the economic and cultural impacts of this, coupled with racial discrimination, has led to an inequality that is still being addressed today. It is in this context that the anniversary of the signing of the treaty has come an important day for discussions about the state of relations between Māori and the state. This year's anniversary comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Treaty Principles Bill. The minister who has been championing proposal - Act Party leader David Seymour - has attended, despite being asked not to by his hapū (sub-tribe). Proponents of the bill say it will promote equality among New Zealanders, but those against it say it is divisive and will further disadvantage Māori. Concern about the bill is so high that a national forum representing several iwi (Māori tribes) recently wrote a letter to King Charles - New Zealand's head of state - asking for his help. "We seek your intervention to ensure that the government does not diminish the Crown's honour," the open letter reads. "Please remind them to respect their responsibility to act as an honourable partner on your behalf." While it is unlikely the bill will pass - with Luxon and his majority National Party vowing to not back it at its second reading later this year - some of those who have participated in the public hearings about it say its very existence is an insult. They include former justice minister Kiritapu Allan, who described the proposed legislation as an "abomination". "This is a bill that is about scrubbing us [Māori] from history," she said. Others have supported it. Economist Ananish Chaudhuri said the conversation about enshrining the Treaty principles in law was needed "if New Zealand is to remain a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation". He also spoke out against a situation in which different cultures in New Zealand are treated differently, saying his birth nation of India was a "cautionary tale". Other steps the government has taken that have caused anger include the dissolution the Māori Health Authority - which was set up under the last Labour government to try and create greater health equality - and the removal of Māori names from government departments. New Zealand eases visa rules for 'digital nomads' to boost tourism Crashed NZ navy ship was left on autopilot, inquiry finds Painting of Māori elder fetches record price in NZ auction
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Waitangi Day: Thousands gather in NZ as Māori rights in focus
Thousands of people have attended events in Waitangi in northern New Zealand, to celebrate the country's national day. Waitangi Day marks the first signing of New Zealand's founding document: The Treaty of Waitangi or Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Māori. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon bucked tradition by choosing not to be in Waitangi for the celebrations, instead attending an event in the South Island. This year's commemorations come at a time of increased tensions, as the government pursues policies considered by some to be anti-Māori - including a bill which would reinterpret the 184-year treaty. On Wednesday, the eve of the holiday, hundreds of Māori protesters staged a silent demonstration by turning their backs on government ministers, signaling their dissatisfaction with the handling of Indigenous issues. Act party leader David Seymour - who is the architect of the controversial bill in question, known as the Treaty Principles Bill - also had his microphone taken away twice at the event. "We are sick of talking to ears that will not listen, and to minds that will not change," Eru Kapa-Kingi - from the Toitū te Tiriti movement, which led the largest ever protest over Māori rights in 2024 - said. Luxon announced in December that he would not be at Waitangi - choosing instead to celebrate the day in the South Island with its largest tribe - or iwi in Māori - Ngāi Tahu. Iwi are groups of people who are joined by their shared ancestry and connection to nature. Ngāi Tahu has roughly 74,000 members, according to New Zealand's last census. "Today is a day to reflect on where we have come from and look forward to where we are going together as a nation," Luxon said in a video message from Akaroa. "The treaty is central to our history and it is also critical to our future. When Māori. communities succeed, all of New Zealand benefits. We'll continue to deal with our differences respectfully and move forward together," he added. Luxon is not the first prime minister to miss the commemorations at Waitangi but his decision not to attend during a time of increased tensions between Māori and his government has drawn mixed reactions. Ngāi Tahu said it welcomed the prime minister's decision to celebrate with them and that it was a time to "reflect on our shared strengthen the relationships between tangata whenua [Māori] and the Crown, for the benefit of all our communities in New Zealand". His political opponents have accused him of cowardice as his government pursues policies that many Māori consider offensive. "When the prime minister doesn't even want to show up to Waitangi he's showing us he's not the person for the job - he doesn't want to govern for the people of this nation," said Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed between many, but not all, Māori tribes and the British Crown at Waitangi on 6 February 1840 - giving both parties certain rights and privileges. For Māori, this includes retaining chieftainship over their lands and resources, but differences between the Māori and English versions of the treaty have left it open to interpretation. Nevertheless, the promise to protect indigenous land rights was repeatedly broken and the economic and cultural impacts of this, coupled with racial discrimination, has led to an inequality that is still being addressed today. It is in this context that the anniversary of the signing of the treaty has come an important day for discussions about the state of relations between Māori and the state. This year's anniversary comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Treaty Principles Bill. The minister who has been championing proposal - Act Party leader David Seymour - has attended, despite being asked not to by his hapū (sub-tribe). Proponents of the bill say it will promote equality among New Zealanders, but those against it say it is divisive and will further disadvantage Māori. Concern about the bill is so high that a national forum representing several iwi (Māori tribes) recently wrote a letter to King Charles - New Zealand's head of state - asking for his help. "We seek your intervention to ensure that the government does not diminish the Crown's honour," the open letter reads. "Please remind them to respect their responsibility to act as an honourable partner on your behalf." While it is unlikely the bill will pass - with Luxon and his majority National Party vowing to not back it at its second reading later this year - some of those who have participated in the public hearings about it say its very existence is an insult. They include former justice minister Kiritapu Allan, who described the proposed legislation as an "abomination". "This is a bill that is about scrubbing us [Māori] from history," she said. Others have supported it. Economist Ananish Chaudhuri said the conversation about enshrining the Treaty principles in law was needed "if New Zealand is to remain a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation". He also spoke out against a situation in which different cultures in New Zealand are treated differently, saying his birth nation of India was a "cautionary tale". Other steps the government has taken that have caused anger include the dissolution the Māori Health Authority - which was set up under the last Labour government to try and create greater health equality - and the removal of Māori names from government departments. New Zealand eases visa rules for 'digital nomads' to boost tourism Crashed NZ navy ship was left on autopilot, inquiry finds Painting of Māori elder fetches record price in NZ auction
BBC News
06-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Waitangi day: Thousands gather in NZ as Māori rights in focus
Thousands of people have attended events in Waitangi in northern New Zealand, to celebrate the country's national day. Waitangi Day marks the first signing of New Zealand's founding document: The Treaty of Waitangi or Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Māori. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon bucked tradition by choosing not to be in Waitangi for the celebrations, instead attending an event in the South year's commemorations come at a time of increased tensions, as the government pursues policies considered by some to be anti-Māori - including a bill which would reinterpret the 184-year treaty. On Wednesday, the eve of the holiday, hundreds of Māori protesters staged a silent demonstration by turning their backs on government ministers, signaling their dissatisfaction with the handling of Indigenous party leader David Seymour - who is the architect of the controversial bill in question, known as the Treaty Principles Bill - also had his microphone taken away twice at the event."We are sick of talking to ears that will not listen, and to minds that will not change," Eru Kapa-Kingi - from the Toitū te Tiriti movement, which led the largest ever protest over Māori rights in 2024 - said. Luxon announced in December that he would not be at Waitangi - choosing instead to celebrate the day in the South Island with its largest tribe - or iwi in Māori - Ngāi Tahu. Iwi are groups of people who are joined by their shared ancestry and connection to nature. Ngāi Tahu has roughly 74,000 members, according to New Zealand's last census. "Today is a day to reflect on where we have come from and look forward to where we are going together as a nation," Luxon said in a video message from Akaroa. "The treaty is central to our history and it is also critical to our future. When Māori. communities succeed, all of New Zealand benefits. We'll continue to deal with our differences respectfully and move forward together," he is not the first prime minister to miss the commemorations at Waitangi but his decision not to attend during a time of increased tensions between Māori and his government has drawn mixed reactions. Ngāi Tahu said it welcomed the prime minister's decision to celebrate with them and that it was a time to "reflect on our shared strengthen the relationships between tangata whenua [Māori] and the Crown, for the benefit of all our communities in New Zealand". His political opponents have accused him of cowardice as his government pursues policies that many Māori consider offensive. "When the prime minister doesn't even want to show up to Waitangi he's showing us he's not the person for the job - he doesn't want to govern for the people of this nation," said Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson. What is the treaty of Waitangi? The Treaty of Waitangi was signed between many, but not all, Māori tribes and the British Crown at Waitangi on 6 February 1840 - giving both parties certain rights and privileges. For Māori, this includes retaining chieftainship over their lands and resources, but differences between the Māori and English versions of the treaty have left it open to interpretation. Nevertheless, the promise to protect indigenous land rights was repeatedly broken and the economic and cultural impacts of this, coupled with racial discrimination, has led to an inequality that is still being addressed is in this context that the anniversary of the signing of the treaty has come an important day for discussions about the state of relations between Māori and the state. A tense backdrop This year's anniversary comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Treaty Principles Bill. The minister who has been championing proposal - Act Party leader David Seymour - has attended, despite being asked not to by his hapū (sub-tribe). Proponents of the bill say it will promote equality among New Zealanders, but those against it say it is divisive and will further disadvantage Mā about the bill is so high that a national forum representing several iwi (Māori tribes) recently wrote a letter to King Charles - New Zealand's head of state - asking for his help. "We seek your intervention to ensure that the government does not diminish the Crown's honour," the open letter reads. "Please remind them to respect their responsibility to act as an honourable partner on your behalf."While it is unlikely the bill will pass - with Luxon and his majority National Party vowing to not back it at its second reading later this year - some of those who have participated in the public hearings about it say its very existence is an insult. They include former justice minister Kiritapu Allan, who described the proposed legislation as an "abomination"."This is a bill that is about scrubbing us [Māori] from history," she said. Others have supported it. Economist Ananish Chaudhuri said the conversation about enshrining the Treaty principles in law was needed "if New Zealand is to remain a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation". He also spoke out against a situation in which different cultures in New Zealand are treated differently, saying his birth nation of India was a "cautionary tale". Other steps the government has taken that have caused anger include the dissolution the Māori Health Authority - which was set up under the last Labour government to try and create greater health equality - and the removal of Māori names from government departments.
