In our concluding kaupapa, we explore Indigenous critical thinking through a Māori lens. This approach goes beyond identifying issues to uncover their deeper context and roots, valuing collective wisdom and the well-being of whānau, hapū, iwi, and the environment. 

Our tūpuna demonstrated exceptional critical thinking through their advanced navigational skills, reflecting a deep understanding of their world. Colonialism has shifted this collective mindset towards a more individualistic perspective. 

Rediscovering Indigenous critical thinking involves reconnecting with ancestral values of mutual support and harmony with our taiao (environment). 

Joining us for this discussion are Mark Kopua, Tohunga Moko renowned for his traditional tattooing and carving; Dr. Diana Kopua, a psychiatrist offering insights into mental health from a Māori perspective; Tina Ngata, a Māori researcher known for her work in Indigenous advocacy; and Professor Mera Penehira, a Māori academic providing expertise on Māori knowledge systems. 

Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of Indigenous critical thinking.

In Kaupapa 5, we delve into the powerful history and ongoing evolution of Māori resistance movements in Aotearoa with Bianca Ranson, Hilda Harawira, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, and Te Otāne Huata. 

From the Kīngitanga and the revitalisation of te reo Māori to the contemporary Toitū Te Tiriti protests, we highlight the enduring spirit of Māori in the fight against injustices and the pursuit of tino rangatiratanga.

We pay tribute to our tūpuna, who paved the way for today’s generations. These movements are more than just reactions to breaches of Te Tiriti o Waitangi; they are profound declarations of rangatiratanga, expressions of frustration, acts of reclamation, and strides towards liberation.

Reflecting on 50 years of persistent resistance, we see a rising generation of tamariki and rangatahi who are unapologetically Māori—fiercely proud of their heritage and committed to carrying the legacy forward. This episode is a compelling reminder that the struggle continues until the government or Crown fully acknowledges, honours, and enacts their commitments. It’s a call for te iwi Māori to remain united, underscoring the strength we hold and the achievements we can realise together.

“E rere kau mai te awa nui mai te Kāhui Maunga ki Tangaroa, ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au.”

The river flows from the mountain to the sea, I am the river, the river is me.

#tuturunz #māori #maori #tereomāori #aotearoa #decolonisation #maorimovements #maorirights #toitutetiriti 

Early European colonisation deeply reshaped Aotearoa, embedding new laws, Christianity, and land loss into Māori life. Over time, these changes became normalised, leading to Māori accepting less than they deserved.

In our fourth wānanga, Te Otane Huata, Dayle Takitimu, Tina Ngata, and Bianca Ranson delve into how colonisation mirrors an abusive relationship on a collective scale. This challenging relationship has profoundly impacted the opportunities and pathways available to Te iwi Māori, creating obstacles that they continue to navigate.

Their discussion also covers ongoing efforts to heal, empower, and reclaim Māori identity. Bianca Ranson reinforces this with her comment that “Indigenous people are lighting the fires of liberation,” as awareness grows through protests, activists, academics, and media. Tina Ngata adds that “Kind colonialism is only ever kind when you are not pushing back. The moment you are not complicit and compliant, it is not kind anymore.”

Moving towards tino rangatiratanga will require collective support and vigilance in these efforts.

Whakarongo mai, mātaki mai e te iwi ✊

Tino Rangatiratanga and Mana Motuhake are two words that hold importance for Māori, especially in times of protest, but their significance runs much deeper. 

Our roundtable discussion introduces a fresh perspective with Bianca Ranson, an environmental and human rights activist, who joins returning kaikōrero Te Otane Huata (Indigenous Rights Advocate), Māori lawyer Dayle Takitimu, and Māori researcher Tina Ngata.

This thought-provoking conversation delves into the essence of these two powerful kupu.

Tina Ngata articulates it perfectly, stating, “Mana Motuhake is intrinsically tied into the concepts of mana atua, mana tangata, and therefore is also tied into the taiao and our relations. It can’t be taken away from whakapapa, so it gives it a connection across time and across our world.”

Dayle Takitimu complements this by discussing how Mana Motuhake and Tino Rangatiratanga are used interchangeably today. They reflect the same idea of full authority, self-determination, self-governance, and being in charge of our decisions. At its core, it’s about the mana and tapu we inherently possess as mokopuna.

Every protest, many waiata, and numerous stands of solidarity all mention these concepts. But how do we interpret these for ourselves and share the meaning with our future generations, especially in the context of colonisation?

Whakarongo mai, mātaki mai ✊

In our latest round table wānanga, Māori lawyers Dayle Takitimu and Eru Kapa-Kingi, researcher Tina Ngata, and Indigenous Rights Advocate Te Ōtane Huata explore the complex interplay between “He Whakaputanga” and “Te Tiriti o Waitangi.” They examine these two pivotal documents, which continue to fuel debates 200 years later.

Eru Kapa-Kingi highlights that He Whakaputanga declared existing Māori authority in Aotearoa, rooted in Hawaiki and established over generations. He notes that while He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti sometimes contradict each other, they function together, with He Whakaputanga as the senior document. Not all iwi signed it; mainly Ngāpuhi chiefs, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Potatau Te Wherowhero.

Dayle Takitimu adds that He Whakaputanga represents a significant exercise in self-determination for those involved. She discusses how these historical acts reflect mana and self-determination, and she addresses British legal philosophies, noting the 2014 Tribunal finding that Ngāpuhi sovereignty was never ceded in 1840.

One not to be missed e te whānau

In our first wānanga of season 2, "Law of the Land," we look at how Māori communities lived in harmony with the land and how their respect-driven laws contrasted sharply with those imposed by European settlers.

Our round table discussion features insights from Māori lawyers Dayle Takitimu and Eru Kapa-Kingi, Māori researcher and advocate Tina Ngata, and Indigenous Rights Advocate Te Ōtane Huata.

Dayle Takitimu discusses the fundamental differences between tikanga Māori and European legal systems, highlighting how Māori ways of living were deeply connected to the taiao. The episode also explores how settlers masked the detrimental impacts of colonisation on Māori communities.

Despite all this, the connection between Māori and their lands has remained unbroken, highlighting their resilience as tangata whenua.

Join us to explore the rich and critical perspectives on Māori history, tikanga, law, resilience, and how they continue to shape the identity and rights of Māori today.

Ready to tune in this season? Check out what’s coming for Tūturu season 2 We’re dropping new content every day across our channels.

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