1975 Land March

Definition

The 1975 Land March was a significant protest led by Māori in New Zealand, aimed at raising awareness of land grievances and advocating for Māori rights and self-determination. This event became a pivotal moment in the struggle for tino rangatiratanga, as it highlighted the injustices faced by Māori regarding land ownership and sovereignty, galvanizing a broader movement for Māori rights and recognition in New Zealand society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1975 Land March began in Te Hapua, Northland, and concluded at Parliament in Wellington, covering approximately 1,000 kilometers over 26 days.
2. Organized by activist group Ngā Tamatoa, the march aimed to raise awareness about the loss of Māori land due to government policies and private purchases.
3. The event attracted thousands of participants, drawing attention to the issues faced by Māori and prompting national media coverage.
4. As a result of the march, public support grew for Māori land rights, leading to increased political pressure on the government to address these grievances.
5. The march is often seen as a catalyst for subsequent Māori activism and legal reforms aimed at achieving justice for Māori communities.

Review Questions

• How did the 1975 Land March reflect the broader issues of Māori rights and self-determination in New Zealand?
  • The 1975 Land March highlighted the deep-rooted grievances of Māori regarding land dispossession and the struggle for self-determination. By mobilizing thousands of participants and drawing significant media attention, the march underscored the need for recognition of Māori rights, particularly tino rangatiratanga. This event not only raised awareness about historical injustices but also fostered a sense of unity among Māori communities in their quest for sovereignty and justice.
• In what ways did the 1975 Land March influence government policies towards Māori land rights in New Zealand?
  • Following the 1975 Land March, there was a notable shift in public sentiment towards Māori issues, which pressured the government to reconsider its policies regarding land rights. The march led to increased dialogue about historical grievances and prompted the establishment of mechanisms like the Waitangi Tribunal to address these claims. The political landscape began to change as more attention was given to ensuring that Māori perspectives were included in discussions about land use and ownership.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the 1975 Land March on Māori activism and New Zealand society as a whole.
  • The 1975 Land March had significant long-term impacts on both Māori activism and New Zealand society. It energized a new generation of activists who continued to advocate for Māori rights, influencing future movements and legal changes related to land claims and cultural recognition. The march also contributed to broader societal changes in New Zealand, fostering increased awareness of indigenous rights issues and prompting discussions about reconciliation and partnership between Māori and non-Māori communities. This ongoing dialogue has shaped modern New Zealand's identity and legal frameworks concerning indigenous rights.

Related terms

Tino Rangatiratanga: A Māori term meaning 'absolute sovereignty' or 'self-determination,' representing the goal of Māori to govern themselves and control their own affairs.

Waitangi Tribunal: A permanent commission of inquiry established in 1975 to address claims by Māori regarding breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, focusing on land issues and other grievances.

Māori Land Rights: The legal rights and claims of Māori to their traditional lands, which have been a central issue in New Zealand's history, often involving conflicts over land ownership and use.