The State of Māori Rights

This book brings together a set of annual reviews of Māori issues written between 1994 and 2009 for the University of Hawai‘i Contemporary Pacific journal. It places on record a Māori view of events and issues that took place over these years that had a direct impact on Māori; issues that have been more typically reported to the general public from a ‘mainstream’ media perspective. It documents the increasing determination of Māori to assert our rights as indigenous people of New Zealand over this 15-year period.

The reviews report the ongoing attempts to settle Māori grievances against the Crown for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi. Māori protest against policies imposed by successive governments is recorded, in particular the 1995 protests against the fiscal envelope for settling Māori grievances, the 2004 protests against the legislation which confiscated the foreshore and seabed from Māori and the 2007 protests against the terror raids on Tūhoe.

Ongoing criticism and recommendations by the Waitangi Tribunal and the United Nations in respect of government treatment of Māori are documented. Media attacks on Māori MPs feature throughout the book. These are all contrasted with a number of positive highlights such as outstanding Māori achievements, and sporting and business successes.

The book includes 100 photographs of events that captured the nation’s and the world’s attention and of Māori leaders who fought over many decades for Māori rights. Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga’s contribution of a publishing grant and technical expertise in preparing the photographs for publication has ensured a handsome and well presented book. To buy this book, click here