Understanding The Hīkoi Mō Te Tiriti Journey

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Understanding the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti Journey: A Walk for Treaty Recognition

The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti, also known as the Treaty March, is a significant historical event in Aotearoa New Zealand. This journey, undertaken by thousands of Māori, aimed to bring the plight of Māori to the forefront of national attention and demand the government fulfill the promises made in the Treaty of Waitangi.

What is the Treaty of Waitangi?

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, is the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand. It established a partnership between the British Crown and Māori, outlining principles of sovereignty, governance, and protection of Māori rights and interests. However, the treaty's implementation has been controversial, with Māori experiencing significant dispossession of land and erosion of their cultural and social structures.

The Genesis of the Hīkoi

The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti was a response to growing frustration and anger within the Māori community regarding the government's failure to uphold the Treaty. The 1970s and 1980s saw increasing Māori activism and the emergence of Treaty-based claims for redress. The Hīkoi, a powerful symbol of Māori unity and resilience, aimed to raise awareness of these issues and demand accountability from the government.

The Journey Itself

The Hīkoi commenced in 1984, with participants walking from Northland to Wellington to present their grievances directly to Parliament. The journey was arduous, covering vast distances over several months. It was marked by strong Māori cultural expressions, moving speeches, and unwavering determination to reach their goal.

The Legacy of the Hīkoi

The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti was a pivotal event in the history of the Treaty of Waitangi. It significantly increased public awareness of the ongoing Treaty breaches and the need for redress. The march also led to a shift in government policy, with the establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal in 1975, a body charged with investigating historical Treaty grievances.

Significance Today

The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for Treaty recognition and fulfillment. It highlights the importance of treaty principles and the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between Māori and the Crown. It also symbolizes the strength of Māori activism and the unwavering commitment to securing equity and justice for all.

Learning from the Hīkoi

The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti offers valuable lessons for all New Zealanders. It emphasizes the importance of:

• Understanding the history and significance of the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Recognizing the ongoing impact of Treaty breaches on Māori.
• Engaging in constructive dialogue and action to achieve Treaty equity.
• Supporting initiatives that promote Māori sovereignty and self-determination.

The Hīkoi mō te Tiriti remains a powerful testament to Māori resilience and their unwavering commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. It serves as an enduring call for justice, reconciliation, and a future where the promises of the Treaty are honored.