Let me be brutally honest. Growing up, Waitangi Day was just a day off for me.
I learned nothing about Aotearoa New Zealand's history in school - worse, I grew up disconnected, even looking down on my own Māori culture. If that’s a space you’ve been in, or if our national day feels confusing, this kōrero is for you.
This is my personal journey from that blank space to understanding. I share the hard facts that rewired my brain - the scale of 1840, what was really signed, and the logical question that changed everything for me: Would you, as the overwhelming majority, hand over your entire country to a tiny group of newcomers?
I also go beyond the politics to the human story - what the systemic removal of land, language, and identity led to the grief that followed. I also share how my path into rongoā Māori became my doorway back - to a worldview of connection that healed my own disconnect and led me to a pride I never knew I was even missing.
This is a wānanga on truth, grounding, and finding your way back. Think of this as a chat with a mate who's been down the rabbit hole of our history and came out the other side . No lectures, just realisations...
Arohanui,
Kim
Māori kupu (Māori words) used:
Te Ao Māori - the Māori world | wananga - learning space | Mahi - work | whakaaro - thinking |
rongoā Māori - traditional Māori medicine & healing | wānanga - learning forum, discussion | kōrero - to speak, conversation | whakapapa - genealogy, identity | arohanui - much love | Te Tiriti - The Treaty | whakaaro - thoughts, ideas | tino rangatiratanga - self-determination, absolute authority | whenua - land, placenta
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