Te Tiriti o Waitangi always has been, and will always be, about the “promise of peoples to take the best possible care of each other”, says Marama Davidson.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi always has been, and will always be, about the “promise of peoples to take the best possible care of each other”, says Marama Davidson.
As a child, I remember watching my nannies, koros, aunties, uncles and multiple cousins constantly express a sense of collective care for our tiny rural valley, her waters, soils, kai, habitats, native species and, of course, her people.
It wasn’t until I became an adult, however, that I beganto truly understand the privilege of growing up in Hokianga, under my ancestral maunga and beside my tupuna awa.
Greens co-leader Marama Davidson.
This is the blueprint I have for a Tiriti-led Aotearoa. It’s what I see played out across communities in our beautiful country every day.
Now, I work for a future where elected leaders of Aotearoa will follow suit and appeal to the best of our values, rather than the worst of our fears.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi always has been, and will always be, about the “promise of peoples to take the best possible care of each other”, as described by the late Bishop Manuhuia Bennett in 1992.
This practice of manaaki for one other, and for our land, is what we see on the ground: regular folk stepping up to get mahi done.
Whether it is people sharing kai and care for those having a rough time, lovingly restoring wetlands and rivers and native bush together, enjoying cultural whakapapa at Matatini kapa haka and Pasifika or Chinese New Year, at temples and Mosques and Matariki celebrations, or standing against racism and hateful behaviour towards others; this is the role-modelling it takes to strengthen the fabric of our shared values of compassion.
Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue at 2025 Te Matatini Festival. Photo / Te Matatini Enterprises
Te Tiriti provides those who are not Tangata Whenua a place to stand with dignity. This starts with Te Tiriti affirming the mana motuhake; the sovereignty and self-determination of Tangata Whenua.
I must acknowledge the marae around the country who have been opening their doors to anyone who needs refuge from ongoing civil defence emergencies. This expression of obligation and aroha for others is who we truly are!
Te Tiriti upholds the responsibility of Tangata Whenua to host with mana and protect our shared living systems for mokopuna to enjoy. Te Tiriti lays out the reciprocal duties of upholding one another’s humanity and belonging, while recognising the unique status of hapū and iwi.
I am proud and inspired that we now have generations of people of all backgrounds – whether they have been here for centuries, for generations, or more recently arrived – who understand this in their bones.
Together, we will not fall for the shallow attempts of some who weaponise the Treaty to pit people against each other.
Instead, we will continue top send a clear message to this and all governments: Te Tiriti is unity!
Marama Davidson is Co-leader of the New Zealand Green Party.
