Key Takeaways:
- The annual Rātana event saw a cooler tone from politicians this year, possibly due to the upcoming election and the demise of the Treaty Principles Bill.
- The Kiingitanga representative, Rahui Papa, emphasized the importance of Māori independence and self-reliance, stating that they cannot rely on the Crown to do everything for them.
- The relationship between the Crown and Māori is currently fractured, with a desire for Māori to do things for themselves and cut government purse strings that could lead to entanglement.
- The 7 November election date is looming, and political parties are keeping some of their rhetorical gunpowder dry, with Papa expecting to hear strategies and procedures to support te ao Māori in the coming weeks.
- The event saw a shift in tone from previous years, with a focus on Māori independence and self-reliance, and a desire to move forward and create a better tomorrow.
Introduction to Rātana
The annual Rātana event, held in a small settlement south of Whanganui, is a significant occasion where political parties, except ACT, gather to honor the birthday of the church’s founder, Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana. The event has been a platform for politicians to discuss and debate important issues, particularly those related to Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi. This year’s event saw a notable change in tone, with a cooler and more subdued atmosphere, possibly due to the upcoming election and the demise of the Treaty Principles Bill.
Past Exchanges at Rātana
In previous years, the Rātana event has been marked by fiery exchanges between politicians, particularly between Labour and National. In 2023, Jacinda Ardern had just announced her resignation, and Christopher Luxon was critical of Labour’s approach to co-governance, labeling it "divisive and immature." The following year, Luxon faced warnings from Māori leaders that any attempts to meddle with the Treaty would be met with resistance. The anger and tension continued in 2025, with Luxon choosing not to attend Waitangi due to the backlash over the Treaty Principles Bill. The bill was eventually defeated in April, but its proponent, David Seymour, vowed to continue campaigning for its vision in the coming election.
This Year’s Event
This year’s Rātana event saw a significant change in tone, with a focus on Māori independence and self-reliance. Kiingitanga representative Rahui Papa emphasized the importance of Māori standing on their own two feet and not relying on the Crown to do everything for them. Another Kiingitanga representative, Tukoroirangi Morgan, stated that Māori had realized they needed to take control of their own destiny and not wait for the government to act. The relationship between the Crown and Māori is currently fractured, with a desire for Māori to do things for themselves and cut government purse strings that could lead to entanglement.
The Future of Māori-Crown Relations
The upcoming election is likely to have a significant impact on the future of Māori-Crown relations. Papa pointed out that the 7 November election date coincides with the date Rātana received his vision, and that the outcome of the election would be crucial in determining the direction of Māori-Crown relations. Political parties are keeping some of their rhetorical gunpowder dry, and Papa is expecting to hear strategies and procedures to support te ao Māori in the coming weeks. The event saw a shift in tone from previous years, with a focus on Māori independence and self-reliance, and a desire to move forward and create a better tomorrow.
Conclusion
The Rātana event this year marked a significant shift in tone, with a focus on Māori independence and self-reliance. The relationship between the Crown and Māori is currently fractured, but there is a desire to move forward and create a better tomorrow. The upcoming election will be crucial in determining the direction of Māori-Crown relations, and political parties will need to carefully consider their strategies and procedures to support te ao Māori. As Papa said, "When you’re strong in your spirit and you’re strong in your wairua, then your physical ailments can be overcome." The future of Māori-Crown relations will depend on the ability of both parties to work together and find common ground, and the Rātana event has provided a significant starting point for this journey.
