Media release: For immediate release

New book asks what is the coalface reality of honouring The Treaty of Waitangi in today’s law, local government, education, health, social services and more?

Every Waitangi Day New Zealanders must ask: Are things getting better since the Treaty was signed 175 years ago? Is its honouring more sincere and more robust? Is it uniting us?

Or is it continuing to divide some of us? What are some of the best examples of its acknowledgement?

Where do we have work to do still? And why do we need to? What’s at stake if we don’t?

The Treaty on the Ground: Where we are headed, and why it matters (Massey University Press) answers those questions. It brings together key thinkers on Treaty issues: eminent jurists, historians, planners, educationalists, senior social workers, treaty negotiators and museum curators, they take a well-informed look back and also give a considered view of the road that lies ahead.

The book examines the impact of New Zealand’s founding document on everything from resource management to human rights and school governance. Expert, moving, challenging, at times tough-talking and always inspirational, this book takes the pulse.

Damian Skinner grips the nub of the matter in one of the 15 chapters in this important book: ‘As I was told once, around the dinner table, the biggest problem facing Maori is Pakeha.

So what are you going to do about it? Learning more about Pakeha responses to te Tiriti, and understanding that not only is there already Pakeha Treaty practice but there needs to be more of it, seem like good places to start.’

The Treaty on the Ground: Where we are headed, and why it matter Edited by Rachael Bell, Margaret Kawharu, Kerry Taylor, Michael Belgrave & Peter Meihana Published by Massey University Press; RRP: $39.99

About the Editors
Dr Rachael Bell is a lecturer in history in the School of Humanities at Massey University.

Margaret Kawharu, Ngati Whatua o Kaipara, is the Senior Advisor Maori at Massey University’s Albany campus. Professor Kerry Taylor is the head of the School of Humanities at Massey University.

Professor Michael Belgrave is a professor in history in the School of Humanities at Massey University and has many years’ experience as a Waitangi Tribunal researcher. Dr Peter Meihana, Ngati Kuia, is a lecturer in Maori history in the School of Humanities, Massey University.

© Scoop Media