Peace Pacific: Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day is an opportunity for Pakeha New Zealander's to celebrate Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a living template for a just relationship between Maori and Pakeha says social justice group Peace Pacific.

The Wellington group today marked Waitangi Day by holding education stalls at both the One Love Festival at the velodrome, Haitaitai Park and the Wellington City Council event at Frank Kitts Park.

"We are trying to make people aware that Te Tiriti is an issue for Pakeha - it's what allows us to be in this country", Peace Pacific spokesperson Alex Barnes said.

The group of Tauiwi (non-Maori) young people handed out pamphlets today suggesting ways that Pakeha can be responsible Treaty partners.

Practical steps towards decolonisation included challenging rascist statements, addressing discrimination within our workplaces and learning more about Te Tiriti and what it means in our everyday lives and communities.

"Honouring Te Tiriti is an opportunity for positive change and is not a historical burden. There have been so many calls for abandoning Te Tiriti during the last year, but it is vital that we look towards the great potential of a Treaty-based partnership", Maibritt Pederson said.

Peace Pacific urged all New Zealanders to see Waitangi Day as more than a day off in the sun. Peace Pacific member Alex Barnes said, "by acknowledging Waitangi Day, we recognize the past significance of the Treaty and its vital importance for a just and hopeful future".

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