Homebuilders – Telling the Waitangi story

Have you ever put conversations about Waitangi Day into the “too complex” or “too political” basket?

Perhaps, like many people, you didn’t have much opportunity to learn about Aotearoa’s history, or about the very significant chapter marked by the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. You might worry about getting it wrong or feel unsure that you know enough to speak confidently. You may even think: “It was a long time ago, why does it still matter?”

A well-known whakataukī offers a clue as to why these conversations remain important, even generations later.

“Kia tōmuri te haere whakamua” – walk into the future looking backwards.

This whakataukī reminds us that understanding the stories of the past equips us with the wisdom needed to shape a better future. Knowing the history of Aotearoa helps us understand how we arrived where we are today, and how each of us fits within that story.

For myself, as Pākehā, my citizenship in this beautiful country exists because of the manaaki of the rangatira who signed Te Tiriti in good faith. Learning more about that history also means learning about the immense cost paid by Māori – the loss of land, language and self-determination. Sitting with that truth has led me to reflect deeply on how to pass this understanding on to my son, who carries both Māori and Pākehā whakapapa.

So where do we begin?

A good place to start is the same way humans have passed on knowledge for millennia – through story.

Not every child enjoys discussions about politics, history or differences in Treaty translations, but they do love stories. Books and videos can be a great place to begin. Te Tiriti o Waitangi by Toby Morris is short, accessible and visually engaging. Tamariki Talk: Waitangi Day is a fun, short video where children are asked for their understanding of Waitangi Day. For older children (or adults wanting a refresher), the docudrama What Really Happened, Waitangi offers a helpful re-creation of the events leading up to the signing. The Aotearoa History Show available on youtube is also a brilliant, broader look at our past.

Ask your children to share what they already know. Together, your whānau can create your own meaningful way of marking Waitangi Day, one that reflects the values of unity, mahi tahi (working together), and manaaki. This might look like sharing kai together, attending a local event or Waitangi workshop, or taking time to reflect on how you honour your commitments to the people in your life.
When we choose to engage with Waitangi Day, even imperfectly, we give our children a powerful gift – the chance to grow up with their eyes open to the past, and their hearts invested in a more just future.