How do we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation of our nation while fostering a multicultural society where all communities feel seen, valued, and included?

New Zealand’s identity is shaped by two powerful narratives: the enduring heritage of tangata whenua, Māori as the Indigenous people, and the multicultural vibrancy brought by waves of migration from around the world.

While these two identities are often celebrated independently, the interplay between Māori and multiculturalism is a conversation that holds immense significance.

How do we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) as the foundation of our nation while fostering a multicultural society where all communities feel seen, valued, and included?

The Centrality of Māori as Tangata Whenua

Māori, as tangata whenua, hold a unique and foundational place in Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Tiriti o Waitangi establishes a partnership between Māori and the Crown, laying the groundwork for the country’s governance and societal structures. This status as Indigenous people and Treaty partners must be understood as distinct from the experiences of migrant and ethnic communities. Māori rights, grounded in the Treaty and reinforced by their role as kaitiaki (guardians) of the land, language, and culture, are central to the nation’s identity and cannot be conflated with the rights or roles of other cultural groups.

Multiculturalism in Aotearoa

New Zealand’s multicultural makeup is evident in census data, where over 25% of the population was born overseas, representing a rich tapestry of ethnicities, languages, and traditions. This diversity has enriched communities, brought new perspectives, and spurred creativity and innovation. Festivals, food, arts, and businesses from around the world have helped build a more dynamic and globally connected Aotearoa.

However, multiculturalism must be rooted in the recognition of Māori as tangata whenua. It’s not about one culture overshadowing the other but ensuring that the principles of partnership, protection, and participation outlined in Te Tiriti guide how we embrace multiculturalism. This ensures that the presence and voice of Māori remain central while creating space for ethnic communities to thrive.

Fostering Genuine Partnerships

The relationship between Māori and ethnic communities can grow stronger through mutual respect and shared values. For example, many migrant groups recognize parallels between their own cultural practices and those of Māori, such as the importance of whakapapa (ancestry), manaakitanga (hospitality), and collective responsibility. By acknowledging these commonalities, ethnic communities can align their aspirations with the principles of Te Tiriti, building solidarity rather than competition.

Local and central government agencies play a critical role here. When designing policies or initiatives to support multiculturalism, they must ensure these efforts are grounded in the Treaty partnership. This could involve engaging with iwi and hapū to co-design programmes or encouraging ethnic communities to learn about and connect with Māori culture and history. Initiatives like including te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in cross-cultural education can foster deeper understanding and collaboration between Māori and migrant communities.

Walking Together Toward the Future

The future of Aotearoa lies in its ability to walk two paths simultaneously: celebrating the diversity brought by migration while firmly upholding the rights and status of Māori as tangata whenua. This is not an easy balance, but it is essential for building a nation where unity does not come at the expense of identity.

A truly inclusive Aotearoa recognises that honouring Te Tiriti is not just the responsibility of the Crown and Māori—it is a framework for everyone who calls this country home. When ethnic communities join Māori in this journey, they strengthen the social fabric, creating a society where every culture contributes to a shared vision of justice, equity, and belonging. By embracing this dual commitment, we can ensure Aotearoa thrives as a place where all its people feel proud to stand together.