Thousands of Treaty hīkoi protesters gathered at Parliament's grounds in 2024.
Thousands of Treaty hīkoi protesters gathered at Parliament's grounds in 2024.
THE FACTS
Stories about Waitangi Day were limited in the 1960s, with kaumātua recalling historical events.
The Labour Party gave legal status to the Treaty principles, which Shane Jones says led to Māori litigation and settlements.
Most Kiwis see Waitangi Day as a holiday, Jones says, and calls for unity with less focus on entitlements.
As a child in the 1960s, stories about our national day were limited. Kaumātua talked about Tamati Waka Nene and Hone Heke.
Kids looked forward to jumping off the Waitangi Bridge while kuia recalled the Māori Battalion at the Treaty Grounds on February 6, 1940 celebrating the centenary.
During the 1980s onwards, our whānau would send meat and veges to support the Waitangi marae and the waka paddlers – a decade that saw Anglican Archbishop Sir Paul Reeves, fronting the hīkoi, stopped from marching on to the Treaty grounds.
But with an election looming, the Labour Party felt the rising pressure and gave unprecedented legal status to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Predictably, Māori litigated.
Eventually, under a National Government, large iwi claims were resolved. This was not a flawless experience but in politics, forward-leaning momentum trumps technical perfection.
New Zealand First MP Shane Jones delivers a speech at Rātana Pā near Whanganui in January 2025. Photo / Mark Mitchell
The expectation was that settlements would mean less protest. Sadly, Ngāpuhi has not got that memo and our national day in Northland is still loaded with disruptive stunts.
Most Kiwis simply regard Waitangi Day as a day off work.
Many communities hold large events with a festival flavour involving music, good food with a colourful vibe.
Waitangi@Waititi 2026 at Parrs Park, Ōrātia will see a big crowd on Waitangi Day.
By and large, politicians promote unity at Waitangi. They are conscious that most Kiwis are fed up with Treaty overreach.
Both Kiwi and iwi voters have ample opportunities to participate in our democracy.
It is very important this year as political parties offer various Treaty of Waitangi policies.
The electoral appetite, however, is modest and polls show voters feel the whole experience has perpetuated a grievance mentality.
The Treaty is part of our historical inheritance. It paved the way for us to enjoy the fruits of the Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights, the Enlightenment and other features of our democratic heritage.
They are rich traditions that have nurtured and taught anew, not unlike the ethic of service and duty.
Let’s now talk less entitlements and more of obligations.
In 2026, New Zealand First will be pruning multiple references to the principles of the Treaty from the statute books. This will deliver certainty, reduce opportunities for endless litigation and sharpen the focus on nation-building.
Parliament is the highest court in the land and MPs derive their legitimacy from the ballot box. The message is clear. We must prioritise national unity as we travel towards 2040 – the 200-year anniversary of the Treaty.
Elections are the ultimate performance review.
Our nation deserves optimism, cohesiveness and decisive leadership.
At a time of geopolitical polarisation and uncertainty, we should reflect on Governor William Hobson’s words at the signing of the Treaty: “He iwi tahi tatou” – together, we are one people.
A sentiment that does not need elaboration but rather an echo chamber.
