7.2 The Māori protest movement and the Land March

The Māori protest movement of the 1960s and 70s fought against land loss and cultural suppression. Sparked by urban migration and global civil rights movements, it saw the rise of activist groups like Ngā Tamatoa and leaders such as Whina Cooper.

The 1975 Land March, led by Cooper, was a turning point. It united Māori from across New Zealand, bringing land grievances to national attention. This march helped push for the Treaty of Waitangi Act and sparked further activism, reshaping Māori-Crown relations.

Origins of the Māori Protest Movement

Historical Context and Catalysts

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  Māori Land March - October 13 1975, Parliament, Wellington… | Flickr View original

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  Māori Land March - 13 October 1975, Wellington | On 13 Octob… | Flickr View original

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  Annual Maori protest 5 - Waitangi Day | Charlie Brewer | Flickr View original

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• Māori protest movement emerged in the 1960s and 1970s responded to ongoing land alienation, cultural suppression, and socioeconomic disparities
• Post-World War II urban migration of Māori populations contributed to pan-tribal activism growth
• International civil rights movements (African American civil rights movement) inspired Māori activists to adopt similar strategies

Key Organizations and Figures

• Ngā Tamatoa, radical Māori activist group formed in 1970, brought Māori grievances to public attention through confrontational tactics
• Prominent leaders emerged within the movement (Whina Cooper, Syd Jackson, Tame Iti)
• Formation of new urban-based Māori organizations strengthened collective action

Pivotal Events and Milestones

• Establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal in 1975 marked significant progress in addressing historical injustices
• Occupation of Bastion Point (1977-1978) galvanized support for Māori land rights
• Raglan Golf Course dispute (1978) further highlighted land rights issues
• These events increased public awareness and political pressure for change

Significance of the 1975 Land March

Organization and Participation

• Known as "Te Rōpū o te Matakite" (The Group of the Visionaries), covered 1,000 km from Te Hapua to Wellington
• Led by 79-year-old Dame Whina Cooper, united Māori from various iwi (tribes)
• Over 5,000 people participated in the final stage, demonstrating widespread support

Impact on Public Awareness

• Attracted significant media attention, bringing Māori land grievances to national consciousness
• Slogan "Not one more acre of Māori land" highlighted ongoing issue of land alienation
• Forced government to address long-standing Māori concerns
• Educated wider New Zealand public about historical injustices and Treaty violations

Legislative and Political Consequences

• Coincided with passage of Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, establishing Waitangi Tribunal
• Served as catalyst for further Māori activism and land occupations (Bastion Point occupation in 1977)
• Influenced contemporary discussions on Māori land rights, Treaty settlements, and indigenous self-determination
• Contributed to long-term changes in New Zealand's approach to Māori-Crown relations

Māori Activist Strategies

Direct Action and Legal Approaches

• Land occupations and protests drew attention to specific disputes and broader land alienation issues
• Legal challenges and petitions to Waitangi Tribunal addressed historical injustices
• Non-violent civil disobedience, inspired by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., maintained moral high ground

Media and Public Engagement

• Media engagement educated wider New Zealand public about Māori grievances
• Public awareness campaigns promoted Māori cultural perspectives
• Cultural revitalization initiatives strengthened Māori identity and resistance (promotion of te reo Māori, traditional practices)

Political and International Strategies

• Formation of Māori-led political organizations increased Māori representation (Mana Motuhake Party in 1980)
• Coalition-building with other marginalized groups amplified Māori cause
• Engagement with international indigenous rights movements brought global attention to Māori issues

Impact of the Protest Movement on New Zealand

Legislative and Policy Changes

• Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 and subsequent amendments strengthened Waitangi Tribunal's powers
• Establishment of Māori-medium education initiatives (Kōhanga Reo, Kura Kaupapa Māori)
• Development of Treaty settlement processes led to land returns and financial compensation
• Increased Māori representation in politics and public institutions (Māori seats in Parliament, Māori-focused government agencies)

Societal and Cultural Transformations

• Shift towards more bicultural national identity acknowledging Māori cultural heritage
• Greater recognition of Māori cultural practices in public life
• Increased use of te reo Māori in various sectors
• Critical examination of colonialism and its ongoing impacts on Māori communities
• Growing acknowledgment of Māori perspectives in policy-making processes

Long-term Historical Narrative Changes

• Challenged and transformed New Zealand's historical narrative
• Led to more inclusive and diverse understanding of national history
• Increased awareness of Treaty of Waitangi's significance in modern New Zealand
• Fostered ongoing dialogue about indigenous rights and reconciliation