Māori political systems are the oldest in Aotearoa – it’s time university politics courses reflected this
Retrieved on:
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
A place where Māori knowledge and leadership is embraced and where the universal benefits of te Tiriti o Waitangi are understood.
Key Points:
- A place where Māori knowledge and leadership is embraced and where the universal benefits of te Tiriti o Waitangi are understood.
- But it is clear from our current discourse on the Treaty that we are falling short of this goal.
- But our recent research on political programmes at universities nationwide shows a lack of knowledge about how these systems have come to shape our country.
A gap in Treaty knowledge
- Concerningly, 32% had not read any summary or version of the Treaty at all.
- New Zealand politicians have also, at times, shown a poor understanding of the Treaty.
- With the current debate over the treaty being fuelled by the Act Party’s Treaty Principles Bill, it is important to reflect on the role and responsibilities of universities as the critic, conscience and educators of society.
Politics students and the treaty
- Our review showed there continues to be very little engagement by the discipline with Māori politics.
- In fact, we found only around 1% of content taught in politics programmes appeared to be focused on Māori politics.
- Although there is Māori political content taught in other parts of universities, largely through Māori Studies courses, it is concerning that students studying politics in New Zealand receive very little exposure to Māori politics.
Catching up with the rest of the country
- And in 2021 the University of Canterbury created a treaty partnership office and committed to a “genuine partnership with mana whenua” and strengthening Māori leadership.
- Students have come to expect a university education that upholds te Tiriti and actively promotes critical engagement with mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge).
- It is time for politics programmes in New Zealand universities to recognise this to create a more collaborative and flourishing Aotearoa.
Maria Bargh receives funding from the 'Adaptive Governance and policy', Biological Heritage, National Science Challenge. Annie Te One does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.