TOWARDS An Indigenously inspired Western Democracy

The Treaty of Waitangi and the history iwi/Māori communities since the 1300s represent an extraordinary opportunity for Aotearoa-New Zealand. The Treaty of Waitangi is the only indigenous Treaty in the world (that I am aware of) that is of national significance. Similar Treaties between indigenous peoples and colonial powers signed in other countries (eg Canada, USA) are local or regional in intent and application. However, the Treaty of Waitangi is national in intention (and therefore in application). Consequently, this represents a national opportunity to find a mutually enhancing relationship between the culture of the Treaty partners - it is not just a local or regional opportunity.

Given that the Treaty enabled the establishment of a parliamentary democracy in this country; given too that the Treaty sought to perpetuate pre-existing iwi estate sand ways of collectivising and decision making, I suggest that a Treaty of Waitangi inspired Aotearoa of the future, could be described as an ‘indigenously inspired western democracy’. This title and these words are a way of recognising the two traditions that are party to the Treaty and hence are fundamental to a Treaty inspired Aotearoa.

There are some who are impatient to end all historical claims under the Treaty of Waitangi because they mistakenly believe that this will be the end of all Treaty issues. Unfortunately, this is greatly mistaken. The settlement of historical Treaty claims (provided the settlements themselves are just) merely represents the conclusion of that particular chapter in the life of the Treaty - the chapter concerning the European conclusion of Aotearoa and Te Wai Pounamu and the deliterious effects it has had upon the indigenous Māori population.