Well-funded ‘Treaty education’ fails to impress
The political debate over foreshore legislation, claims over Lake Taupo’s airspace and an avalanche of claims based on
the Treaty of Waitangi are leaving a widespread feeling of anger, distaste and disempowerment. All this despite the
State Services Minister Trevor Mallard’s well-funded ($6.475 million over the three years to 2005/06) Treaty of Waitangi
Information Programme.
Even Labour’s new employment relations reform bill will force employers to have a principles-of-the-Treaty clause in
their staff agreements. Most are less than impressed with state ‘Treaty education’ so far, especially as these issues
are now likely to be incorporated into a new ‘constitution’ if Prime Minister Helen Clark has her way.
Prominent Treaty historian Dr. Paul Moon of Auckland University of Technology’s Te Ara Poutama Faculty of Maori
Development has spoken out. “There is a very real danger”, says Dr. Moon, “that we will continue along the present path
of forming opinions about the Treaty based on recent interpretations, with little reference to the actual Treaty and the
times that created it.”
Teaming up with Auckland publisher Peter Biggs, tonight he launches his new book The Treaty and its Times: the
illustrated history. In it he presents a major comprehensive, in-depth review of events that led to the signing of the
Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and the five years that followed. Dr. Moon says “The book also gives that vital, usually
missing, sense of perspective of the times in which these events occurred.” He continues “Now everyone can judge for
themselves just how the Government’s ‘principles-of-the-Treaty‘ resemble the facts of 1840. The results will surprise
many.”
Just as initiatives for a republic are appearing on the horizon, the authors are hoping this book will lead to wider
view of some basic Treaty issues.
Book Launch: Browns, 287 St. Heliers Bay Rd, St. Heliers, Auckland
Thursday 18th November. 5:00 – 8:00 pm