11.1 The Māori quest for self-determination and tino rangatiratanga

The Māori quest for self-determination and tino rangatiratanga is a crucial part of New Zealand's history. It stems from the loss of land and autonomy during colonization, sparking movements like Kīngitanga and ongoing efforts to preserve Māori culture and rights.

The Treaty of Waitangi plays a central role in this struggle. Its different interpretations have led to legal battles, the creation of the Waitangi Tribunal, and increased Māori participation in governance. These developments continue to shape New Zealand's political landscape today.

Māori Pursuit of Self-Determination

Historical Context and Origins

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• Tino rangatiratanga rooted in pre-colonial Māori society allowed iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes) autonomy over lands and resources
• European colonization in late 18th and early 19th centuries triggered significant Māori land loss and cultural suppression
  • Created power imbalance fueling desire for self-determination
• New Zealand Wars (1845-1872) between Māori and British forces resulted in further land confiscations
  • Eroded Māori autonomy, intensifying need for self-determination
• Rapid decline of Māori population due to introduced diseases (smallpox, influenza) and warfare created urgency for cultural preservation

Early Movements and Resistance

• Kīngitanga (Māori King Movement) established in 1858 attempted to unify Māori and assert sovereignty
  • Response to British colonization and land acquisitions
  • First Māori King, Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, crowned in 1858
• Native Schools Act of 1867 mandated English-only education
  • Sparked resistance and renewed focus on preserving Māori language and culture
  • Led to establishment of Māori-language schools (Kura Kaupapa Māori) in the 1980s
• Te Kooti's Ringatu movement (1868) combined traditional Māori beliefs with Christianity
  • Promoted Māori independence and resistance to colonial rule

Treaty of Waitangi's Impact

Treaty Principles and Interpretations

• Treaty of Waitangi signed in 1840 considered founding document of New Zealand
• Discrepancies between English and Māori versions led to ongoing debates
  • English version: Māori ceded sovereignty to the British Crown
  • Māori version: Māori retained tino rangatiratanga (full chieftainship) over their lands and resources
• Principle of partnership established by Treaty requires Crown to act in good faith
  • Protect Māori interests in modern policy-making and legislation
  • Example: Resource Management Act 1991 requires consideration of Māori values in environmental decision-making
• Treaty principles incorporated into various pieces of legislation since 1980s
  • Created legal framework for recognizing Māori rights and interests
  • Examples: Education Act 1989, Crown Minerals Act 1991

Contemporary Implications and Institutions

• Waitangi Tribunal established in 1975 provides forum for Māori to seek redress
  • Investigates historical grievances and Treaty breaches
  • Makes recommendations to government for settlements
  • Example: Ngāi Tahu settlement in 1998 included $170 million compensation and return of sacred sites
• Increased Māori participation in governance structures and decision-making processes
  • Māori seats in Parliament (currently 7 seats)
  • Co-management arrangements for natural resources (Waikato River co-management)
• Treaty settlements process ongoing since 1990s
  • Aims to resolve historical grievances and provide economic base for iwi
  • Example: Waikato-Tainui settlement in 1995 included $170 million in land and cash

Māori Activism and Resistance

Land Rights and Direct Action

• Māori land rights movement brought national attention to grievances
  • 1975 Land March led by Dame Whina Cooper from Northland to Parliament
  • Bastion Point occupation (1977-1978) protested land confiscation
• Direct action and civil disobedience employed to challenge government policies
  • Raglan Golf Course protest (1978) led to return of land to local Māori
  • Foreshore and Seabed controversy (2004) sparked nationwide protests
    • Resulted in Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011

Political and Cultural Initiatives

• Māori Party established in 2004 for direct political engagement
  • Aimed to advance Māori interests within parliamentary system
  • Achieved representation in Parliament from 2005 to 2020
• Cultural revitalization efforts crucial for preserving Māori language and customs
  • Kōhanga Reo (language nest) movement initiated in 1980s
    • Immersion preschools for Māori language and culture
  • Establishment of Māori Television Service in 2004
• Development of Māori-led institutions demonstrated push for autonomy
  • Wānanga (Māori tertiary education providers) established
    • Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi
  • Māori health organizations created (e.g., Te Puna Ora o Mataatua)

Progress Towards Self-Determination

Achievements and Advancements

• Treaty settlements provided financial compensation and return of culturally significant lands
  • Enhanced economic base for iwi self-determination
  • Example: Ngāi Tahu's post-settlement economic growth and cultural investments
• Revitalization of te reo Māori through immersion schools and increased media presence
  • Māori Language Act 1987 made te reo Māori an official language
  • Growth in number of fluent speakers (estimated 185,000 in 2018)
• Increased Māori representation in Parliament
  • Dedicated Māori seats and success of Māori-focused political parties
  • First Māori Prime Minister (James Carroll) in 1909, albeit briefly

Ongoing Challenges and Future Directions

• Economic disparities between Māori and non-Māori populations persist
  • Income gap: Māori median weekly income 23% lower than national median (2021)
  • Higher unemployment rates for Māori (7.7% compared to 3.8% overall in 2021)
• Development of Māori-centric approaches in healthcare and social services
  • Whānau Ora initiative launched in 2010 to provide holistic, family-centered support
  • Challenges remain in addressing health inequities (e.g., lower life expectancy for Māori)
• Ongoing debates highlight complex nature of Māori self-determination
  • Water rights (e.g., debate over ownership of freshwater resources)
  • Customary marine title claims under Marine and Coastal Area Act
  • Role of Treaty in potential written constitution for New Zealand
• Balancing traditional Māori governance structures with modern systems
  • Adapting tikanga Māori (customary practices) to contemporary contexts
  • Navigating corporate iwi structures while maintaining cultural integrity