This lunchtime lecture series, Kōrero pono mai, runs alongside the exhibition Whai Wāhi through March. These talks take heed from Te Waka Hourua, who call upon institutions to kōrero pono mai / tell the truth. Invited speakers will present short talks grounded in their experiences as legal experts, advocates and scholars in relation to te Tiriti and the Treaty.

(Mis)representations of Te Tiriti in law and policy: the TPB, the RMA and everything in between — Luke Fitzmaurice-Brown

One of the ways in which te Tiriti o Waitangi has been dishonoured since its signing is through its misrepresentation in New Zealand law and policy. From reference to ‘treaty principles’ in law to attempts to erase the Crown’s te Tiriti obligations altogether, legislation and policy has consistently fallen short of truly honouring the document. This kōrero will focuses on some of the ways that has happened, with particular reference to te Tiriti-based environmental policies, as well as high profile recent examples such as the Treaty Principles Bill. It will also discuss how these failings might be rectified, and what role all New Zealanders have to play in that.

Dr Luke Fitzmaurice-Brown (Te Aupōuri) is a Senior Lecturer in the Law Faculty at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. His research focuses primarily on te Tiriti o Waitangi, child protection and decolonisation.