MCNZ President’s Kauwhau Receives Global Attention & Applause at Waitangi Day

On Waitangi Day, criticism surrounding the contentious and divisive plan to redefine New Zealand's foundational document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ranged from subtle comments directed at politicians supporting the Bill to blatant acts of defiance.

However, the kauwhau (sermon) delivered at the dawn service and at the ecumenical service by Te Aroha Rountree, referencing the ‘growing need for truth telling, justice and the need for reconciliation’ and likening the relationship between Māori and the Crown as a marriage gone sour, drew resounding applause from the assembled crowd, and widespread media attention in Aotearoa and beyond.

“But to renegotiate the terms of a marriage, usually requires both spouses to be at the tepu. But it seems our spouse, the Crown, has filed for divorce while we were blissfully unaware,” Te Aroha said.

“The potential for Māori success in the face of racist legislation masquerading as equality for all, is impossible.”

Te Aroha went on to affirm, “These injustices are not abstract; they are real and present in the lives of Māori whānau and communities.” She cited housing shortages and the rising cost of living as examples of issues that disproportionately affect and impact Māori.

Te Aroha said, “We pray for the Justice Committee to love mercy.”

To hear extracts from the powerful kauwhau and compelling call for justice, mercy, and for the Crown to honour our Constitutional foundations, Click Here

The full sermon can be found in this edition of Touchstone, reproduced with the permission of Te Aroha Rountree.