Tangata Whenua and the Treaty of Waitangi: Summarising Aspects of our Contemporary Journey
Iwi/hapū/whānau are in a period of deep reorganisation and redevelopment signalled most particularly by the settlement of Treaty of Waitangi claims. The settlement of Treaty claims offers a handy ‘marker point’ in our contemporary history. Iwi/hapū/whānau seek to bring about a new ‘post-settlement’ future for its members that is both inspired and informed by the history and culture of their forebears together with the circumstances and opportunities of contemporary and future realities. The chief difference between the pre and post-Treaty settlement realities is this: whereas iwi/hapū/whānau have been in a conflicted relationship with the Crown/Government since the 19 th century, tangata whenua communities wish to move to an empowered position in their relationship with the Crown, Government and the world at large. This is the movement from victimhood to empowerment, from grievance to opportunity, from a preoccupation to uphold and defend a culture to creating anew. Overall, iwi/hapū/w