Podcasts about Waitangi

Maori have been protesting in large numbers, in a 9-day hikoi or march of defiance, walking from the top of New Zealand down to the capital Wellington, joined by non-Maori supporters too. They're demonstrating against the current right-of-centre New Zealand government's moves to abolish certain Maori-specific rights and privileges, that the previous centre-left government had set up to help combat Maori disadvantage. For example, a Maori Health Authority had tried to tackle health inequalities that mean Maori live seven years less than other New Zealanders. Maori also come bottom in statistics for employment, housing and education, but are overrepresented in prison.Now a law proposal about the principles of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, would do away with what has been a form of affirmative action, and instead treat everyone the same, regardless of heritage.Some feel this is necessary to achieve proper equality. Others feel that Maori progress will be undone and inequality entrenched.

In the end it was kind of an anticlimax. After almost 18 months of anger, obfuscation, hīkoi and haka, and hundreds of thousands of submissions, the Treaty Principles Bill was voted down in fairly emphatic style. I suspect the majority of New Zealanders are so over it. Looking back, I'd say David Seymour and ACT largely got what they wanted. Te Pāti Māori were perhaps even greater political beneficiaries. And the whole saga will endure as a bit of a stain on Christopher Luxon's tenure as Prime Minister. It was telling that once again, just as for the first reading, this week's vote was scheduled for a time when the PM wasn't in the house. I think being there and suffering through it would have shown greater leadership. I watched the speeches in Parliament and thought David Seymour was right in his observation. Almost none actually considered the substance of the government's defined Treaty principles. Like most of the debate outside of Parliament, they were all emotion. At times, I think what was supposed to be a constitutional debate was boiled down to pretty a basic and unedifying level: pro-Māori vs anti-Māori! Personally, I tried to engage with the detail of the bill in good faith. I think one of the most underrated qualities in people is a genuine capacity to think critically or even change your mind. It's a curiously strange thing these days to come across someone who doesn't instantly default to their team or side. It seemed to me though that there was a fundamental problem with proposed principles. They didn't accurately reflect what the Treaty actually says. Te Tiriti specifically guarantees Māori tino rangatiratanga. It has, if you like, a Māori-specific carve-out that did not appear in ACT's interpretation. In my view, that absence was absolutely critical. Many of the bill's opponents accused ACT of a cynical approach to the debate. I can't speak for the party's motivations, but I do think the most honest approach would have been to define the principles by what is clearly said in the Treaty, rather than what anyone thinks should be said in the Treaty. And that leads me to my final point: the Treaty is clearly an imperfect document. The English and Māori versions say different things. There is no returning New Zealand to 1840, and in the context of the modern day, it's clunky. I do think David Seymour's broader desire about more purposefully defining the Treaty's application and meaning in modern New Zealand, is a good one (or at least worthy of more consideration). For example, I wonder if 200 years from its signing, New Zealand should aspire towards developing some sort of a written constitution underpinned by the Treaty, that gives it better and clearer effect in the modern World. I think the Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi was meant to unify New Zealand. If we're honest, this debate probably had the opposite effect. But I still have faith that once the dust settles, we can collectively find a way to constructively have these conversations and move Aotearoa forward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions to Ministers JAMIE ARBUCKLE to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Maori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti: Have Maori-Crown relations improved since the coalition Government took office? KATIE NIMON to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the fiscal policy response to economic shocks? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister of Education: Is she committed to the purpose of the Education and Training Act 2020 that establishes and regulates an education system that "honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and supports Maori-Crown relationships"; if so, how? Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER to the Minister of Transport: Does he accept evidence that a person struck by a vehicle travelling at 30 km/h has a 90 percent chance of surviving, dropping to only 20 percent if hit at 50 km/h; if so, will he listen to the pleas from school principals, aged care residents, and communities who want to keep safer speeds of 30 km/h? Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN to the Minister for Disability Issues: Does she stand by her statement, "That is why we are prioritising disabled people, their families, and carers"; if so, is she confident that all Government agencies are acting in the best interests of disabled people? TAKUTA FERRIS to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: What assurances can he provide, if any, that his proposed fisheries reforms will not diminish Maori customary gathering rights or the ability of New Zealanders to gather kai moana to feed their whanau? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister of Housing: Can he guarantee that cutting a net 673 roles at Kainga Ora will not impact any front-line services, including those working with the Ministry of Social Development to place people in public housing? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister of Housing: What reports has he seen on the housing market? SHANAN HALBERT to the Minister of Education: What evidence, if any, does she have that supports the removal of the relationship and sexuality education guidelines? MILES ANDERSON to the Associate Minister of Transport: What recent announcements has he made about the Ashburton Bridge? Dr PARMJEET PARMAR to the Minister for Children: What recent announcements has she made regarding a safety-first approach for Oranga Tamariki?

Recently, the Justice Select Committee has called for the Treaty Principles Bill to be thrown away. This comes as an analysis by Newsroom shows that 90% of public submissions were against the bill. The committee accepted close to 300,000 public submissions, with 90% opposing the bill, roughly 270,000, 8% in support, and 2% indifferent. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the spokesperson for Toitu te Tiriti and Professional Teaching Fellow in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, Eru Kapa-Kingi, about these recent developments and how he believes the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti has come into play regarding the public submission protest. They also spoke to Māori Studies Professor at the University of Auckland and Chair of Te Rūnanga-ā-Iwi o Ngāti Kahu, Margaret Mutu, also about these recent developments, and how Te Tiriti o Waitangi is viewed in the country overall.

Recently, the Justice Select Committee has called for the Treaty Principles Bill to be thrown away. This comes as an analysis by Newsroom shows that 90% of public submissions were against the bill. The committee accepted close to 300,000 public submissions, with 90% opposing the bill, roughly 270,000, 8% in support, and 2% indifferent. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the spokesperson for Toitu te Tiriti and Professional Teaching Fellow in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, Eru Kapa-Kingi, about these recent developments and how he believes the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti has come into play regarding the public submission protest. They also spoke to Māori Studies Professor at the University of Auckland and Chair of Te Rūnanga-ā-Iwi o Ngāti Kahu, Margaret Mutu, also about these recent developments, and how Te Tiriti o Waitangi is viewed in the country overall.

The draft secondary school English curriculum is ringing alarm bells for some teachers. The document contains no reference to Te Mataiaho - the framework that underpins every other curriculum area.Teachers say that's bizarre and they are worried it is part of a move push the Treaty of Waitangi out of schools. Education correspondent John Gerritsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Questions to Ministers RYAN HAMILTON to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the economy? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Minister responsible for RMA Reform: What is his reaction, if any, to the Kaiwhakahaere for Ngati Ruanui's statement regarding proposed changes to the RMA that "This move breaches both our settlement and the Government's obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi"? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister of Justice: How is the Government progressing with its plan to restore stronger consequences for crime? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she agree that the Treasury is the Government's lead economic and financial adviser; if so, does she have confidence in advice from the Treasury? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: E tautoko ana ia i nga korero me nga mahi katoa a tona Kawanatanga? Does he stand by all of his Government's statements and actions? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Maori Development: Is he across everything in his portfolio; if not, why not? SAM UFFINDELL to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What recent announcement has she made about the Annual General Adjustment? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: Does she stand by all her statements and actions? Dr CARLOS CHEUNG to the Minister of Police: What recent reports has he seen on the effectiveness of the community beat teams? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister of Police: Does he stand by his statement regarding record levels of methamphetamine in waste-water testing, "Well, I don't know whether that's dealers dumping methamphetamine"; if not, why not? SCOTT WILLIS to the Minister of Health: Does he stand by his statement that "Our Government is focused on delivering timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders"; if so, has he contracted the build of the inpatient building for the Dunedin Hospital yet? Question to Member Hon Dr DUNCAN WEBB to the Chairperson of the Justice Committee: Will he report the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill to the House before all submissions have been processed and considered by members?

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says compromises will need to be made in reforming the Resource Management Act. The Government's replacing the Act with a new planning framework, including rules around land development and environment protections. It's seeking cross-party support. Hipkins told Mike Hosking the country's administration can't keep putting infrastructure projects on hold. He says that if there are projects underway, even if they're not the administration's first choice, they'll keep doing them. Labour also wants clarity around the Treaty of Waitangi's role in the reform. Cabinet's decided on ruling out incorporating a Treaty clause in the legislation, despite the Expert Advisory Group recommending the current clause be carried over. Hipkins told Mike Hosking they want to make sure Treaty settlements are respected. He says saying you want to respect the Treaty but then saying you don't want to put it into law is contradictory. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reporter John Boynton visits a kura that's turning around David Seymour's cuts to school lunches by making quality kai; Kendra Cox from Auckland University talks with Julian Wilcox about what works and what doesn't with Government policy; plus, we're with the fleet of traditional waka and kaihoe that made up the flotilla at Waitangi. “Made with the support of Te Māngai Pāho and New Zealand On Air”

Last week, Libelle, one of the three providers of the school lunch programme went into liquidation. The company provided around 125,000 lunches daily.  Compass Group, one of the other key providers of the programme stepped in on Friday to acquire and take over Libelle's operations.  Despite this save, Compass group has been no stranger to issues since the programme was launched. With repeated incidents of late or no delivery, melted plastic in food, frozen food, food so hot it burnt children and ham being given to halal students - to name a few.  For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about how the liquidation may affect the already controversial programme.  They also discussed NZ First's Members Bill looking to scrap Diversity, Equity and Inclusion targets… as well as the ACT Party's continued critiques of the University of Auckland's compulsory Te Tiriti o Waitangi course. 

Today on the show... Should all first-year students at Auckland University be forced to study the Treaty of Waitangi? The university says it’s about understanding our country better, but critics - including Act Leader David Seymour - call it indoctrination. Is this academic progress, or just another politically-driven move? Let’s dive in. Can you buy a house without a massive deposit or a bank loan? Chris Smith thinks so. His company, Bloxx, is offering a new way to get on the property ladder - starting with just 1% down and payments similar to rent. But is the system ready for such a shake-up? We break it all down. And some Letters to the Editor! Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief.html Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast

The Act Party's putting the pressure on Auckland University to say goodbye to its compulsory ‘Waipapa Taumata Rau' course. The near $6 thousand paper covers the Treaty of Waitangi and traditional Māori tikanga for first year students. Leader David Seymour told Mike Hosking students within his Epsom electorate are upset. He says constituents have told him they aren't interested in the course and view it as a perversion of academic freedom. The university says the course offers core knowledge and skills to help transition students into tertiary reduction, and set them up for success. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions to Ministers HUHANA LYNDON to the Minister for Maori Development: Does he stand by his appointment of Richard Prebble to the Waitangi Tribunal in light of Prebble's comments on his resignation; if so, why? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? NANCY LU to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on the Government's fiscal position? TAKUTA FERRIS to the Minister for Maori Development: Does he believe the Waitangi Tribunal plays a critical role in holding the Government accountable for its actions or omissions that breach Te Tiriti o Waitangi? JENNY MARCROFT to the Minister for Rail: What recent announcements has he made on the Cook Strait ferries programme? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Does she stand by her statement that "Recent data releases are consistent with a growing New Zealand economy"; if so, what impact does inflation in international economies have on New Zealand's growth? JOSEPH MOONEY to the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality: What recent announcements has she made about boosting tourism in New Zealand? TANGI UTIKERE to the Minister for Rail: Does he stand by his statement regarding the new Cook Strait ferries that by the end of March 2025, "We're going to be able to announce who's in the game, what they're aiming for, and what the cost will be"; if so, is he on track to do so? Dr HAMISH CAMPBELL to the Minister for Mental Health: What announcements has he made this week regarding the Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund? TAMATHA PAUL to the Minister of Housing: Does he believe that State housing is important for growing the supply of affordable housing; if so, why is the Government opting for zero growth in State housing beyond next year? Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR to the Minister for Trade and Investment: What impacts does he think the imposition of tariffs by the Trump presidency will have on New Zealand exporters and importers? CATHERINE WEDD to the Minister for Women: What is the Government doing to support women?

What's the power of taking just one step? That's what Petra Bagust looks into on this episode of Sunday Sanctuary. When the journey ahead is too big to comprehend, or you have more than one option available, what would happen if we took one step? In this episode, Petra talks to co-founder of the charity One Mother to Another and former 1News Europe correspondent, Joy Reid, about her journey with long Covid and learning to take one step at a time. In recent months, producer Sam has been wondering what it means to be a good treaty partner here in New Zealand. One step he took this year was to head to Waitangi for a week. Another step he took was to take a microphone with him to record a Waitangi diary for this episode. Haere mai! Music: Intsrumental by The Fuzzy Robes (played at the end of the intro)Frolic by Jake Xerxes Fussell (played at the end of Joy's interview)Lost Forever by Tony Njoku (played at the start of the Little One Step reading)By the Sleepy Lagoon by BBC Concert Orchestra (played at the end of the Little One Step reading)Caught in the Middle by ParamoreRivers that you Cannot See by North Americans (played during communion)This is Your Life by Hannah CohenPīwari by Christoph El Truento (first song in Sam's Waitangi diary)Moon Age by Duster (second song in Sam's Waitangi diary)East Cape by Headland (last song in Sam's Waitangi diary)Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy (played during the benediction)

Questions to Ministers TAKUTA FERRIS to the Minister for Maori Development: Does he believe this Government is upholding its obligations to Maori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi? RYAN HAMILTON to the Minister for Infrastructure: What recent announcements has he made about going for growth in infrastructure? Hon CARMEL SEPULONI to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Dr VANESSA WEENINK to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What recent announcements has she made about the new traffic light system? RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Does she agree with the Salvation Army's State of the Nation 2025 report that "During 2024, access to hardship grants was reducing as Work and Income tightened eligibility for assistance, at the same time as the number of children living in families needing this assistance was increasing"; if not, what are her expectations for how applications for hardship assistance are assessed and granted? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How many people are currently unemployed compared to this time last year? SUZE REDMAYNE to the Minister of Agriculture: What is the Government doing to support the New Zealand red meat sector? LAN PHAM to the Minister for the Environment: Does she expect environmental protection to improve or get worse under her tenure as Minister? Hon WILLOW-JEAN PRIME to the Minister for Children: How many participants in the military-style academy programme have reoffended since participating, and how many are currently in youth justice facilities? JOSEPH MOONEY to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: What steps has the Government recently announced to improve competition? Hon PEENI HENARE to the Minister of Health: Is he satisfied with the Government's performance in the health portfolio across the motu? TODD STEPHENSON to the Associate Minister of Justice: What updates can she provide regarding consultation on the rewrite of the Arms Act 1983?

Comedian Guy Williams' Waitangi run-in with David Seymour - and the Act leader's pushback at the Herald; a new video channel proposal by NZME - and new government plans to help local media. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Guy Williams' Waitangi run-in with David Seymour and the Act leader's pushback at the Herald, plus new government plans to help local media.

The Cook Islands prime minister, Mark Brown, has provoked the wrath of NZ's foreign minister with his decision to head to China to sign a new strategic deal. By failing to consult on the pact, says Winston Peters, the Cook Islands was in breach of commitments made as a member of the New Zealand realm. Toby Manhire, Annabelle Lee-Mather and Ben Thomas put on their geopolitical goggles to assess the strain in relations, which comes as the tussle between China and the United States for influence in the Pacific enters a new phase, marked by Donald Trump pursuing an isolationist approach. Plus: How did Tama Potaka and co perform at Waitangi last week, and did Christopher Luxon come up with some new material for Ngāi Tahu in Akaroa? Join NZ's favourite political podcast live in Auckland on 9th April at Q Theatre. Host Toby Manhire will be joined by Annabelle Lee-Mather (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Māmoe) (executive producer of The Hui) and Ben Thomas (former press secretary in the Key government) as they boldly step out of the studio and in front of an audience to cast a curious and caustic eye on New Zealand politics. Tickets on sale now at thespinoff.co.nz/events Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political commentators Dale Husband & Brigitte Morten

In this week's Focus on Politics, Lillian Hanly goes to Waitangi and experiences the manaakitanga, the politics, and the ceremony of New Zealand's national day. Thousands of people make the trip north each year to the place where Te Tiriti was first signed - though this year, the prime minister was notably absent.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman and panellists Denise L'Estrange-Corbet & Alan McElroy discuss the aftermath of Waitangi day, the state of public housing and why we don't have any internationally renowned events. Plus... Would you have a problem with living next door to a solar farm? Dame Denise L'Estrange-Corbet - Co-founder fashion brand WORLD Alan McElroy - Comedian [picture id="4KCF0C6Īmage_68_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

Gedit, Gedit Friday! We are back Shifters! Did you miss us... Today's show is special, as today we sit down with a lady who has a beautiful soul, a selfless heart and a mesmerizing way of speaking! Prof. Ella Henry. We thought there would be no better time to have her in studio with Waitangi day being only yesterday. We got Prof Ella Henry to talk about her stance on what is going on here in Aotearoa! Hit that link below to stay caught up with anything and everything TMS. www.facebook.com/groups/3394787437503676/ We dropped some merch! Use TMS for 10% off. Here is the link: youknow.co.nz/collections/tms-merch-v2 Thank you to the team at Chemist Warehouse for helping us keep the lights on, here at The Morning Shift... www.chemistwarehouse.co.nz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A passive protest at the pōwhiri. A prime minister avoiding the Treaty Grounds. A “very interesting” idea about a possible te Tiriti Commissioner. In case you haven't noticed, it's been a pretty full on Waitangi week, and The Spinoff's unofficial Māori unit has been there to witness it all. Recorded on the sandy shores of the mighty North, guest hosts Liam Ratana and Lyric Waiwiri-Smith (along with regular producer Te Aihe Butler) discuss the problem of David Seymour, Tama Potaka's messy kūpapa-kaupapa wordplay, the (seemingly undercooked) te Tiriti Commission proposal, and what we'd like to see at Waitangi in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Waitangi National Trust chairperson Pita Tipene spoke with Ingrid Hipkiss,

When National's Maori Development Minister stood to speak at Waitangi on Wednesday - he was met with protest. Normally, speaking on the paepae on behalf of the party would be the role of the Prime Minister - but Christopher Luxon chose to attend a different Waitangi event in the South Island. As Tama Potaka began to speak, women cloaked in red stood from their seats, turned their backs towards him with tears running down their faces. A similar respose was also given to ACT Party leader David Seymour and NZ First Shane Jones. Tama Potaka spoke with Ingrid Hipkiss.

This year's festivities at Waitangi are over - capping off a week filled with crowds, celebration, spectacle and debate. Yesterday there were two separate dawn ceremonies and a colourful waka launch as thousands turned out to mark the signing of New Zealand's founding document. Maori news journalist Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira filed this report.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Waitangi: 2/10 At some point the minority is going to realise the majority, i.e. us, tuned out years ago, and the circus that passes for a so-called National Day needs a massive rethink. School lunches: 2/10 Well, the whining is a two anyway. General reports suggest the lunches themselves are fine, but the bitching and media clickbait superficiality has to stop. The Warriors: 7/10 First trial game tonight in Sydney against the Sharks. Can it be? Yes it can! Tariffs: 6/10 Lord knows where it goes and whether a full-scale war breaks out, but it's a first early win for the Trumpster over Mexico and Canada. The Trumpster: 6/10 If you ever want to experience Trump in full mad, unrestrained, "can this be real", "how nuts is he" flight, watch the presser with Netanyahu. It was mental. The NZRU: 2/10 If you ever wondered why they are in the state they are, read the story about TJ's tantrum and their handling and there is your answer. Dairy: 9/10 That lot are going stratospheric. Another blockbuster auction and the billions continue to flow. God bless the farmers, and that's before we get to the apples. Go the Bay! LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TJ Perenara performance and the reaction to David Seymour are both indicative of all that is wrong with this country in terms of race relations. It is not harmonious, it is not well debated, it is not cordial, and it is not better than it has been. The Prime Minister gets it, but Seymour doesn't. There is no point in heading north each year, you are simply treated poorly by rude people. This year in Seymour's speech the mic was removed twice, backs were turned, and people tried to sing over the top of him. It's the same old, same old. There is always a grievance and there is always someone to hate on. They defend it by telling you how angry they are and this year it's the Treaty Principle's Bill, but at no point does anyone accept that just because you disagree, it doesn't mean you have to be rude. Rudeness is not justified simply because you are on opposite sides of the debate, or page. It is why most of us have tuned out of the national day. Then you come to the rugby union, the guardians of our national game. The Perenara scenario unfolded because we live in a country where Māori issues are too often acquiesced to in an excessive manner. Perenara is just a player and a player in a team. His race does not trump the team. Yet it is very clear, as per the story on Wednesday, that he was allowed to blackmail a woke collective into a sort-of submission. The NZR was woke, enamoured by the modern-day practices, because it is inept and has been for years. Organisations, groups and businesses who are not sure of themselves sway in the wind and, as such, are captured by whatever is currently cool. Māoridom in public life, or public service, or the zeitgeist, for a while got cool. Everyone had to say "kia ora", call it the "motu" and token it up to look like you were part of the gang. That tide has turned, but because the NZR were submerged in it, the Perenara scenario was allowed to unfold, with all the indecision and panic so eloquently recounted in the story if you haven't read it. It's as much about Perenara and his arrogance as it is about governance and ineptitude, whether in Waitangi or Turin. It is this sort of nonsense that prevents progress, and we are all paying the price. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A "circus" and a "cheap stunt." That's how NZ First's Shane Jones is labelling an interuption during the powhiri for politicians at Waitangi today. He even went so far as to say funding for the Waitangi National Trust could be reconsidered in future if the Waitangi National Trust doesn't tidy up the tikanga. But Ngapuhi elders are defending the day, and the Trust chair said it ran superbly. Political reporter Lillian Hanly is at Waitangi and filed this report.

ACT Party leader David Seymour faced the wrath of Ngapuhi and Toitu Te Tiriti at Waitangi today, briefly losing his microphone and getting drowned out by song when he spoke. He was among government MPs welcomed in a tense powhiri, where some of their speeches were rejected. Maori News Journalist Tuwenuaroa Natanahira was there and filed this report.

In Pacific Waves today: Pasifika need to be part of Waitangi discussions - academic; Fiji MP retains seat following video leak; Cook Islands church push for Christian state declaration; Eight women contend for Miss Pacific Islands crown. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

I don't mind telling you, I've kind of been dreading making any sort of editorial comment or opinion on Waitangi Day. Not because I don't think it's significant, but because I feel an expectation to say something about its importance in our calendar, how it's an opportunity to reflect on our history, and how we should use it to think about the way ahead. Or something like that. I'm not about to deny that it's an important day - especially for iwi and the Crown within the context of Treaty settlements and Crown-iwi relations. But if I am honest - I'm kind of over it. And I'd hazard a guess that for many people, the first think on their minds isn't politics or history - it's: What's the weather doing for our day off? So, I'm not about to offer a lecture on what Waitangi means or should mean. There's no shortage of that if that's what you are seeking. I guess I've just seen enough news coverage that either lectures us on what we should be thinking or pushes the most inflammatory images or stories they can get their hands on. Of course, it's understandable that the feisty stuff will be what makes the news, but should we really be surprised that so many people are tuning out? I think that many of us have just grown weary with the predictable news cycle around Waitangi. It's our own version of Groundhog Day - where we have the same pattern of event, the same dramas, the same tensions. Then, when the day itself rolls around, we're told what a wonderful occasion it is and how you really have to visit Waitangi to appreciate it as our national day. Essentially, I don't think events in the lead up to Waitangi represent us very well. They don't reflect how we relate to each other as New Zealanders. And they certainly don't make us feel united as a country - or even particularly good about ourselves. Which is a shame, because the endless politicising of race in New Zealand betrays how well New Zealanders get on with each other. We've been meeting, marrying, forming friendships, and building families together for generations. New Zealand today is a truly multicultural society. In a few weeks' time, the netball season will be underway, and as I've said before on my show, if you want to see the New Zealand I relate to - you'll find it there. Every night of competition, hundreds of kids and adults gather to play, compete, and have fun. The faces you'll see are from a multitude of races, backgrounds, and cultures - all just getting stuck in and enjoying themselves. That is the face of New Zealand today, and not one that is represented by what we often see unfolding in the lead up to Waitangi Day, when once again, we're defined and divided by race - Pākehā vs Māori. And frankly? I'm bored with it. Now, there will be people who say: Oh, but you really have to go to Waitangi to appreciate what a wonderful occasion it is! That may well be true. But if the meaning of our national day can only be fully grasped by physically being in one place, then it's hardly the unifying celebration it's supposed to be. That's a tough sell to five million people. So, when it comes to the 6th of February, I'm probably with most people - I'll just be looking out the window, hoping for sunshine, and asking: How's the weather looking? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A circus". That is how NZ First's Shane Jones described the powhiri for parliamentarians at Waitangi yesterday. However, the minister has now found himself in hot water after threatening to pull the Waitangi National Trust's funding. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the destined backlash, ACT Party leader David Seymour still fronted up to Waitangi. Greeted by turn backs, waiata, and protest - he spoke on behalf of the ACT Party, tapping into parts of his Treaty Principles Bill. Apart from a microphone getting taken away on two occasions, it seemed to go relatively well by Waitangi standards. LISTE ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rousing waiata from one of the highest judges in the land hit the right note at Waitangi today, as the Waitangi Tribunal, members of the judiciary and foreign diplomats were welcomed. Their visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Tribunal, set for October and follows a busy year investigating a record number of urgent claims. At one stage Supreme Court judge, Justice Joe Williams, burst into song. Maori news journalist Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira was there and filed this report.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins will be among politicians welcomed onto the Treaty Grounds on Wednesday, although the Prime Minister will be absent, opting to commemorate Waitangi Day with Ngai Tahu in Akaroa tomorrow instead. Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Te Kuini Māori, Nga wai hono i te po, the Māori Queen attended Waitangi celebrations yesterday for the first time since becoming the Māori monarch. Māori News Editor Taiha Moilyneux reports.

Protests, challenges and fiery debate are expected as government ministers front up for Wednesday morning's political pōwhiri in Waitangi. Political reporter Lillian Hanly is in Waitangi.

Government ministers have arrived in Waitangi for Wednesday morning's political pōwhiri. Coalition partners Winston Peters and David Seymour will be there, but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will not. RNZ political editor Jo Moir and Maori news editor Taiha Molyneux spoke to Corin Dann.

"We want to get on with our own business" - that's the call from iwi chairs, as they meet in Waitangi today. Their hui coincided with the Prime Minister announcing he'll be spending Waitangi in the South Island on Thursday - Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro will join him there. Waitangi commemorations in the North kicked off this week with the long-awaited restoration and re-opening of Te Tii marae at a dawn service this morning. Political reporter Lillian Hanly is in Waitangi, and filed this report.

Kuini Nga wai hono I te po - the Māori queen - is expected to attend Waitangi celebrations on Tuesday supported by a contingent of the Kiingitanga movement. RNZ Māori news editor Taiha Molyneux spoke to Corin Dann.

Iwi leaders have been laying out their goals for the year at Te Tii Marae as part of Waitangi commemorations, where they say Kotahitanga, or unity, has been high on the agenda. Ngāti Kahungunu iwi chair Bayden Barber spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Prime Minister has confirmed he will head south to attend Waitangi Day commemorations at Ōnuku Marae, near Akaroa - having previously announced he won't spend the national day in Waitangi. Ōnuku Rūnanga Chairperson Rik Tainui spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Prime Minister has confirmed he will be hosted by Ngai Tahu in Akaroa for Waitangi Day on Thursday. Christopher Luxon announced in December he wouldn't be heading to Waitangi for this year's commemorations, saying he wanted to move around the country to celebrate the national day. Luxon spoke to Corin Dann.

On today's episode, the Prime Minister has confirmed he will be hosted by Ngai Tahu in Akaroa for Waitangi Day on Thursday, the Trade Minister says officials and the prime minister have been in contact with US counterparts, as Donald Trump continues to impose tariffs on US trading partners, the world's largest aid agency faces major cuts, and it could have a big impact on the Pacific, Iwi leaders have been laying out their goals for the year at Te Tii Marae as part of Waitangi commemorations, where they say Kotahitanga, or unity, has been high on the agenda, and New Zealand helicopter crews have received an international award for their work during Cyclone Gabrielle.

The events that lead to the Treaty of Waitangi and it's legacy.

The iconic whare tūpuna at Te Tii Marae in Waitangi has reopened after completing the first stage of a restoration project. Māori news journalist Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira spoke to Corin Dann.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson says she's looking forward to Waitangi as her first engagement.

The political year kicked off with a dramatic reshuffle that sees Shane Reti removed from health in favour of Simeon Brown, James Meager made minister for the South Island and Nicola Willis in the renamed role of minister for economic growth. Alongside a caucus retreat and a state of the nation speech from prime minister Christopher Luxon, it's all part of an effort to reset the agenda. Fresh from their own exhausting retreat, Toby Manhire, Ben Thomas and Annabelle Lee-Mather regather to assess that effort, and the background against which it plays: a poll that puts Labour ahead of National and points to pessimism within the electorate, a volatile global context as Trump returns to the White House, a record response to the Treaty Principles Bill as Luxon declines his invitation to Waitangi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This 2014 episode covers the Treaty of Waitangi, a treaty between the British and the Maori that established New Zealand as a nation. The goal was to benefit both parties, but a hurried translation of the document led to some confusion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.