28 October is a significant date in Aotearoa history and we should all take a moment to acknowledge and commemorate He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni (The Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand).
He Whakaputanga was first signed by 34 rangatira at Waitangi on 28 October 1835. A further 18 rangatira signed in the years that followed, bringing the total to 52 by 1839. The declaration was sent to King William IV and formally acknowledged by the British Crown in 1836.
He Whakaputanga declared the independence of Nu Tireni and recognised that authority rested with the rangatira of Te Whakaminenga, the Confederation of United Tribes. It was written at a time when rangatira were concerned about growing foreign interference, particularly from Britain and France, and wanted to protect their authority and independence.
He Whakaputanga was not simply a step towards Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It was an important declaration in its own right. Our tīpuna were making it clear to the world that Māori had the right to determine their own future.
When we look at what our people stood for in 1835, we can see how important it remains today. Luxon’s Government is challenging Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the rights of Māori. The issues our tīpuna were concerned about in 1835 – authority, independence, and the right to make decisions about our own future – are still very much with us.
Our tīpuna did not declare their independence so that future generations would see their rangatiratanga weakened or their rights taken away. They stood up for their people and their future. We must do the same.
As we commemorate He Whakaputanga, we cannot talk about honouring our history while allowing the rights and aspirations of Māori to be pushed aside today.
We need to change the direction this Government is taking in Aotearoa. We need a future where the mana and rangatiratanga of Māori are upheld, where all people can live with dignity and security and where Te Tiriti is respected.
Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti both have a part to play. Voting is already open and closes at 7:00pm on Saturday 7 November. Use your vote for parties that will uphold Te Tiriti and stand up for the rights of Māori, for our whānau, and for the generations to come.
Our tīpuna made their declaration in 1835. On 7 November, we make ours. Don’t risk 6 years of Luxon.
