26 Noema, 2024

E te Iwi o Ngāti Awa, ngā uri whakatipu o ngā tīpuna kua wehe atu, whakarongo mai rā! The call has come for us to stand united, to protect our Ngāti Awatanga and defend our tino rangatiratanga. The time is now to act on the proposed Treaty Principles Bill. This kaupapa is not just a piece of legislation—it’s about the essence of our whakapapa, our tikanga, and our future.

Why This Bill Matters to Us

The Treaty Principles Bill is shaping up to redefine the interpretation and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in Aotearoa. This has the potential to influence decision-making across the government, from local councils to national policies. The danger lies in what could happen if our voices, as mana whenua and descendants of Ngāti Awa, are not heard in the shaping of this bill.

Ngāti Awa – We Have a Duty to Protect Ourselves

We must be clear about what’s at stake:

1. Our Ngāti Awatanga – The unique identity, tikanga, and kawa handed down to us through generations.

2. Tino Rangatiratanga – Our right to self-determination, to exercise mana motuhake over our lands, waters, and taonga.

3. The Future of Te Tiriti – Ensuring that the Crown respects the full spirit and intent of Te Tiriti, not just through words but actions.

If not us, who will protect these treasures? We must stand as a collective to guard the legacy of our tīpuna and secure the future for our mokopuna.

Making a submission on this bill is our opportunity to ensure that the voices of Ngāti Awa are heard loud and clear. Ngāti Awatanga must not be sidelined. Your kōrero matters. Your whakaaro matters.

Here’s how you can take action:

1. Learn About the Bill
   Read about the Treaty Principles Bill on the Ministry of Justice website. Understand what’s being proposed and how it could affect us.

2. Prepare Your Submission
   Share your whakaaro about the importance of Ngāti Awatanga, tino rangatiratanga, and how these principles must be upheld in any legislation tied to Te Tiriti. Speak from the heart, guided by our whakapapa and tikanga.

3. Submit Your Voice
   Submissions are open until Hanuere 7, 2025. And you can make your submission here at the New Zealand Parliament-Pāremata Aotearoa website. Make sure your voice is counted! You can submit online, in writing, or as part of a collective effort.

This is Our Wero

Ngāti Awa, this is our challenge. It’s time to protect all that we hold dear. We are the descendants of warriors, navigators, and guardians. Our tīpuna stood strong for their whenua, their whakapapa, and their mana. Now, it’s our turn.

Protect our Ngāti Awatanga. Defend our tino rangatiratanga. Ngā uri whakatupu o Ngāti Awa, kei runga noa atu tātou! Let the Crown and the nation hear our united voice. For our tīpuna. For our mokopuna. For Ngāti Awa.

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata!

Hīkina tōu reo – kia kaha, kia māia, kia Ngāti Awa!