He Whakaputanga – NZ’s constitution

I have had an incredible enlightenment in the past seven months that I wish to share with you. I arrived at Ruatoria and instantly I am intrigued by what my sister and her hubby are up to. Nearly every day they are on zui. It turns out the government our māmā fought for all her life is Wakaminenga Māori Government. I become curious and eager to listen and learn.

I begin to hear the words He Whakaputanga – NZ’s constitution; signed in 1835; signed five years before the Treaty of Waitangi; signed by 18 Ngā Puhi Rangatira with a further 34 Southern Rangatira.  He Whakaputanga is annually celebrated at Waitangi on 28th of October.

I visited Waitangi for the first time on the 28th of  October this year in 2022. It was auspicious; historical; respectful. Flying high is the He Whakaputanga flag; listening to the roll call of Rangatira who signed - acknowledged by their descendants, I am reminded respectfully of the Rangatira who hadn’t signed. A couple of local Ngā Maia midwives joined me, and I very much appreciated their manākitanga.

Currently, NZ midwifery is conducting a cultural review. There is talk that Te Tiriti could be the overarching principle for the profession. I believe Te Tiriti is deliberately seen as the founding document of NZ so He Whakaputanga is conveniently swept under the carpet.

For those of us still listening and learning – He Whakaputanga has its own authority; its own jurisdiction; its own Declaration of Independence and, the sovereignty lies with those who exercise He Whakaputanga.

For organisations who engage in contracting with the NZ Government through charities; trusts; iwi; councils, to name a few entities – they all forego He Whakaputanga.

Here’s an example, Te Whatu Ora is currently in a transitional phase centralising health with Te Aka Whai Ora being a notable addition. A move towards Iwi-Māori partnership boards appears innovative and exciting yet, again this is a deliberate attempt to push He Whakaputanga deeper into obscurity.

Until NZ midwifery is led by Ngā Maia Māori Midwives Aotearoa the status quo remains. Establishing a transitional phase with Ngā Maia Māori Midwives Aotearoa overseeing both NZCOM and MCNZ seems a natural progression. On a grander scale, Wakaminenga Māori Government transitional phase with the NZ Government. It’s a complete mind shift.

Check out Māori Government. Do your own research; be informed and become aware of your options.

Watch this space for my next blog.

Mauri Ora, Malo ‘Aupito, Ruth Chisholm

07 November 2022