Video episode available on my Substack.  

Ross Calman (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa) is a writer, historian, and translator whose award-winning book Te Tiriti o Waitangi offers one of the most succinct and accessible introductions to our nation’s founding document. At just 100 pages, it distils decades of scholarship and debate into a clear overview — from the early encounters between Māori and missionaries, to the New Zealand Company’s ambitions, the rushed translation at Waitangi, and the many hui where the treaty was later taken around the country.

In this episode, Ross shares why he chose to write such a concise guide, how he approached telling a story that spans Polynesian voyaging, British imperial politics, and the Declaration of Independence, and what we can learn from the debates that took place in February 1840. 

We talk about the different understandings of terms like kāwanatanga and tino rangatiratanga, the importance of recognising the Māori text signed across the motu, and how practical factors — from translation deadlines to food shortages — shaped the outcome. Ross also reflects on the changes of the past 20 years, the treaty’s place in popular culture and protest, and why he sees te Tiriti as an enlightened agreement that continues to hold value not only for Māori but for all New Zealanders.

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In this thoughtful and timely episode of Weaving Our Worlds, Melanie is joined by sociologist and author Avril Bell to explore the themes of her book, Becoming Tangata Tiriti: Working with Māori, Honouring the Treaty. Through rich, grounded conversation, they delve into the evolving responsibilities of non-Māori in Aotearoa, the importance of relationships in honouring Te Tiriti, and what it means to live well together in a time of political strain.

Avril reflects on her own whakapapa and personal journey as a Pākehā raised in the Far North, and the academic and social context that shaped her research over three decades. She speaks to the formative influence of Māori colleagues and thinkers, the shifting expectations of Pākehā scholars over time, and the rise of Tangata Tiriti as a way of understanding a shared and active commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Together, they unpack key ideas from the book, including the need to move from passive allyship to active, relational responsibility; the value of discomfort and mistake-making as part of the learning journey; and the importance of stamina, reflexivity, and integrity for those working alongside Māori. Avril shares stories from the twelve people interviewed for the book—mostly Pākehā, but not exclusively—and the deep care, thoughtfulness and humility they bring to their work.

This episode is an invitation: to reflect more deeply, act more boldly, and engage more meaningfully. It affirms that becoming Tangata Tiriti is not a status, but an ethic—a lifelong process of learning, relationship, and responsibility. A grounded and hopeful conversation for anyone committed to living well together in Aotearoa.

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In this episode of Weaving Our Worlds, Melanie sits down with historians Angela Wanhalla and Erica Newman to delve into the untold stories behind the recent dual publications, Te Hau Kāinga: The Māori Home Front During the Second World War and Raupanga, a companion volume in te reo Māori. Together, these books explore the experience of Māori on the home front during World War II, revealing a rich tapestry of community resilience, cultural endurance, and the complexities of Māori service.

Angela and Erica share personal insights from the book’s development, including the unique contributions of Māori women in the workforce and Māori War Effort Organisation committees that helped mobilise Māori communities for the war. They discuss how Māori contributions went well beyond the battlefield, encompassing community-driven agricultural production and other contributions to the nation’s war efforts, while maintaining a distinctively Māori social philosophy that emphasised collective wellbeing and rangatiratanga. 

This conversation offers listeners a fascinating perspective on the Māori experience of World War II, demonstrating how wartime shaped both Māori communities and their relationship with the Crown, laying foundations for ongoing discussions about identity, sovereignty, and the balance of kāwanatanga with rangatiratanga. Join us for an episode that interweaves historical scholarship with personal and community reflections, celebrating the resilience of Māori throughout a transformative period in New Zealand's history.

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Resources:  

https://aucklanduniversitypress.co.nz/te-hau-kainga/  

In this episode, the tables are turned. Thanks to Bryan Bruce Investigates for initiating and sharing this podcast episode where he interviews Melanie Nelson, the host of the Weaving our Worlds podcast and the Coherent podcast.

In this episode of Head to Head, Bryan Bruce interviews Melanie Nelson, a writer, researcher, translator and consultant specialising in the application of te Tiriti to environmental and conservation issues. Together, they delve into the Regulatory Standards Bill, a proposed piece of legislation that Melanie describes as a “libertarian manifesto” with significant implications for Aotearoa New Zealand's future.

They explore the bill's origins, its potential to override key pillars of our lawmaking like te Tiriti o Waitangi, and its alignment with the ACT Party’s ideology. Melanie highlights the risks of embedding libertarian principles into legislation, the impacts on collective responsibilities, and the bill's broader implications for environmental and social justice. The conversation also connects the Regulatory Standards Bill with the controversial Treaty Principles Bill, positioning them as two sides of the same ideological coin.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how these legislative changes could shape New Zealand's political and social landscape for generations to come. Don't miss these insights and resources for taking action before consultation closes on January 13th.

Join us for a deep dive into one of the most far-reaching policy proposals in recent New Zealand history—and why your voice matters before the January 13th submission deadline.

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Resources
Explainer and Submission Guide on the Regulatory Standards Bill here

You can follow Melanie's work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated. 

This is the debut episode of my new podcast, Coherent.  Listeners of Weaving our Worlds might find it of interest. It's available on most podcast platforms.

On the Coherent podcast Melanie Nelson hosts in-depth interviews unpacking the political issues shaping Aotearoa New Zealand today. Join us as we explore the sweeping reforms transforming our society, affecting areas like the environment, Indigenous rights, and social cohesion. Our conversations provide clarity, context and hope in uncertain times.  

In this compelling episode, Melanie Nelson interviews Jane Kelsey, a leading critic of New Zealand's neoliberal reforms and an expert in global economic governance. They explore the far-reaching implications of the proposed Regulatory Standards Bill—a piece of legislation that threatens to reshape New Zealand’s democratic processes, environmental protections, and social safeguards.

Jane traces the bill’s libertarian roots, linking it to decades of neoliberal policy-making in New Zealand, including Rogernomics and Ruthanasia, and drawing parallels with international deregulation failures like the Grenfell Tower fire in the UK. She explains how the bill’s proposed mechanisms, such as the Regulatory Standards Board and regulatory takings provisions, could entrench corporate control, restrict government action, and undermine democratic accountability.

The conversation highlights the constitutional risks of embedding constitutional economic principles that exclude key protections like te Tiriti o Waitangi and the New Zealand Bill of Rights, raising serious concerns about the future of lawmaking and public accountability in Aotearoa.

Jane also offers practical advice on how New Zealanders can respond. She urges individuals to share personal stories of past regulatory failures, such as leaky homes or finance company collapses, to illustrate the real-world impact of weakened regulation. Experts and advocacy groups are encouraged to submit detailed critiques before the consultation closes on January 13.

Tune in to understand what’s at stake, why it matters, and how you can take action to help shape New Zealand’s future.

You can buy me a coffee to support my work!

You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.

Resources
Explainer and Submission Guide on the Regulatory Standards Bill here

In this thought-provoking episode, Sarah Hopkinson, a māmā, curriculum designer, urban farmer, and storyteller, joins Melanie to unravel the intricate threads of identity, ancestry, and the environment.

Sarah delves into what it means to be Pākehā in Aotearoa, reflecting on collective accountability, the deep-rooted values shaping our land, and the relationship between humans and the more-than-human world.

As a passionate advocate for te Tiriti justice and sustainable education, Sarah shares her journey of decolonising education, the transformative power of somatic practices, and how growing food has rekindled her connection to the Earth.

We explore the role of metaphors in shaping cultural narratives, the healing potential of embracing discomfort, and the importance of fostering collective well-being.

Sarah also reflects on the broader societal shifts needed to enact te Tiriti in Aotearoa, and how we can cultivate a future where diverse ways of being thrive in harmony with nature and each other.

You can buy me a coffee to support my work!

You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.

Resources: 

https://sarahalicehopkinson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thegreengardennz/ 

In this insightful episode, Melanie Nelson sits down with Jen Margaret, a dedicated advocate and educator for te Tiriti o Waitangi. Jen has spent over 30 years championing the importance of te Tiriti and the responsibilities it entails for Pākehā and Tauiwi in Aotearoa. 

Jen shares her personal journey into this work, starting with her first encounter with te Tiriti at university and the subsequent realisation of how little she had been taught about Aotearoa’s founding document. She delves into the critical role Pākehā play in honouring te Tiriti, its importance to non-Māori, the significance of understanding our shared history, and the ongoing impacts of colonisation on Māori. 

Through a blend of personal reflections and professional insights, Jen highlights the importance of collective action, the need for Pākehā to educate their own communities, and the essential work being done to build stronger, more respectful relationships in Aotearoa. Whether you're familiar with te Tiriti o Waitangi or just beginning to explore its significance, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the path to a more just and unified Aotearoa.

Tune in to hear Jen's powerful message on the responsibility we all share in honouring te Tiriti and fostering a society where everyone can thrive.

You can buy me a coffee to support my work!

You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.

Resources: 
https://groundwork.org.nz/resources/ 

Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod joins Melanie to talk about the upcoming celebration of te reo Māori - the first national Māori language festival, Toitū te Reo. He shares about the inspiration and focus of the festival, its welcoming nature to all, and what it will look and feel like. We discuss some of the speakers and topics which will be included.

We also talk more broadly about the future of te reo Māori, the role for Pākehā and Tauiwi in embracing te reo, dealing with government attacks on te reo and the need for allies in these turbulent times, more than ever.

You can buy me a coffee to support my work!

You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.

Resources:
 Toitū te Reo: https://www.toitutereo.co.nz/ 

Beth Tupara-Katene joins Melanie to share the findings of research project Tangaroa Ararau. The project has focused on how to put Tangaroa and Hinemoana (the ocean) at the centre of marine governance, with decisions led collectively by local communities.

We include Māori perspectives on governance and relating to the ocean, across the spectrum of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), customary and commercial fisheries, grounded in te Tiriti o Waitangi. Beth describes a vision of thriving oceans and thriving communities in reciprocal relationship, and systems change to enable the inclusion of a diverse range of people and values.

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You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.

Resources: https://uhitai.org/ 

Dr Jessica Hutchings talks about Māori and indigenous food sovereignty, and her practice of this in her own life, through growing food, research and sharing knowledge. She articulates her views on GMOs and the risks that genetic engineering pose to indigenous peoples and their sovereignty. 

Also, Jessica shares about the difficulties of ensuring Māori values and voices are centred in the organic and regenerative agriculture movements, and gives insights to behaviours of good allies.

You can buy me a coffee to support my work!

You can follow my work on Substack, where both paid and free subscription options are available. Your support, if you’re able, is greatly appreciated.

Resources: 

https://www.papawhakaritorito.com/