Waitangi Day – a time to reflect and learn
Kia ora e te whānau. Today, we mark the anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi - and our commitment to working in partnership with Māori to deliver better outcomes and tackle the big issues, together.
Waitangi Day isn’t always an easy day. It’s a time to reflect on New Zealand’s unique history, to acknowledge our partnership, and to hold hope for the future, as we continue on this journey together. As we do so, it’s important that we continue to learn from Te Tiriti as a living, breathing document – and uphold its ongoing place in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This Labour government is a committed Tiriti partner.
We’re committed to empowering New Zealanders to embrace our shared heritage and identity, and we’re working hard to ensure that Māori can achieve equitable outcomes. Last year, we launched Te Aka Whai Ora - Māori Health Authority, and delivered on our promise to make Matariki a public holiday - our first te ao Māori public holiday.
We want all ākonga in Aotearoa to use te reo, and we’re making sure our history is taught in all schools and kura to reach our goal of a million Kiwis speaking te reo Māori by 2040. We’re working to grow the voice of tangata whenua at local decision-making tables, and we’ve passed a Bill enabling fairer representation for Māori in local government.
Labour is committed to strengthening this mahi – and as we reflect on the progress we’ve made together, we also acknowledge the mahi we still have to do. We’re ready to continue on our journey, into 2023 and beyond.
However you’re acknowledging this occasion, we hope everyone across Aotearoa enjoys their Waitangi Day celebrations.
Find out more about our work to make good on the promise of partnership enshrined in Te Tiriti. Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.