Reflections of Attending Waitangi Day 2009

Reflections of Attending Waitangi 2009

And its impact on teaching Certificate of Community Social Sciences (CCSS), Bachelor of Applied Social Science (BAppSocSci), Social Work and Bachelor of Māori Studies (BMS)

Authors

Robin Tarau, Yvonne Langdon, Hariata Kohunui, Delia McKinnon, Waiariki Institute of Technology

Te Ariā - Abstract

The project is an exploration of contemporary deliberations that occurred at the Waitangi Commemorations at Waitangi 2009. The research hypothesis was that those deliberations would initiate movement toward self-determination within Māori communities; whānau, hāpu, and iwi, and that Waitangi Day celebrations could serve as a regular and consistent motivation for those groups to maintain that movement. This project provides the whakapapa of colonial impacts in Aotearoa in order to contextualise our personal reflections. Links were created between the present and past which highlight that many of the issues of the past are still relevant today.

The research group is comprised of four Māori women currently employed as educators within a tertiary provider in the Te Arawa rohe. As educators we are constantly conditioned to looking at issues in an objective manner so that any results or outcomes are not ‘tainted’ by subjectivity. Whereas this project has been a challenge to meet the academic rigour that research requires, it has also been a breath of fresh air, an opportunity to place ourselves unconditionally within our personal reflections. As insiders of the Māori culture we believe we bring understanding and value to this project which outsiders of our culture are unable to capture.

Waitangi was relatively subdued this year and perhaps the timing of this project was not the best. We were expecting an environment of vigorous protest action; verbal and physical challenges towards the government, however that was not the case. We made important observations and gathered raw data about what contemporary issues around Te Tiriti o Waitangi mean to Māori. Our different perspectives showed that there is not a singular Māori worldview; that diversity is apparent in our reflections. As educators the experiences that we learned from attending Waitangi broadened our views on current debates around the Treaty of Waitangi.

The research can be used by our students as a resource to extend their understanding of the relevance of Waitangi Day Commemorations at Waitangi to Māori communities; whānau, hāpu, and iwi. The research could also serve as a reference tool for teachers to engage students in formal or informal debates within the classroom. The personal reflections are part and parcel of the social work paradigm within the Certificate of Community Social Sciences (CCSS) and the Bachelor of Applied Social Science (BAppSocSci). For students on the Bachelor of Māori Studies (BMS), the personal reflections can inform the students of what they do not know and validate their own particular thoughts around Treaty issues from the past and present.

Dedication

He Kawanga tenei ki a Yvonne Langdon Poututerangi 2010

He kawanga tenei ki a Yvonne Langdon nana i mate ai i tenei marama tonu te ono o nga ra o Pututerangi i te hohipera o Waikato. Anei e whai ake nei:

Kia hora te marino, kia whakapapa pounamu te moana. Kia tere te karohirohi i mua i tou huarahi. Ka tangi te titi, ka tangi te kaka, ka tangi hoki ko au.

E te māpihi kahurangi Yvonne, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngai Te Ahi, Ngāti Hē, he hunaōnga wahine pūrotu no Te Tairāwhiti no Ngāti Pōrou anō hoki, kei te tangi tonu te ngākau mōu, kua wehe atu i a mātau te kanohi ora e noho pani nei. Ko ēnei mātau o hoa mahi i Te Whare Takiūra o Waiāriki me ngā Pouwhakahāere o Te Ako Aotearoa e noho tonu wairangi nei i tōu wehenga. Hēoi anō, Anei te wā ka whakamāunutanga mai te pūrongo rangahau nā koutou i whakaōti ai hei kaupapa whakatakoto whakāāro e pā ana ki Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Nā rēira tēnei te mihi maioha ki a koe, nā rēira, moe mai moe mai , moe mai i roto i te ariki. Nā rēira koutou te hunga wairua ki a koutou, tātau te hunga ora e pae nei , e te pouaru, e te rangatira, ā kōrua tamariki mokopuna, ōtira, te whānau whānui huri noa, kāre he kōrero i kō atu i kō mai, tēna koutou , tēna koutou , a , tēna tātau katoa.

The sparkling rays of the sun glistens upon the shimmering calm waters of the ocean. The birds of the forest cry, likewise we cry.

Our treasured loved one Yvonne, who descends from Ngāti Ranginui, Ngai Te Ahi, Ngāti He of Tauranga Moana. Treasured daughter in law of the east coast also. We are still at a loss as to why you were taken from us so suddenly. We, your workmates from Waiariki Institute of Technology and Ako Aotearoa are about to launch publicly, the research report that you were so admirably a part of, with your invaluable and treasured thoughts about the Treaty of Waitangi. It is most appropriate that we should acknowledge you for that, hence this dedication, therefore, sleep the long sleep. Sleep within the realms and care of the almighty creator.

To Louie, the children and grandchildren, the parents and grandparents, to each and everyone of you, what can we say to acknowledge you all in the thoughts of our wonderful and loving colleague,Yvonne. We are still lost for words, we thank you all.

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