—Alistair Reese
In this article the discussion revolves around the complex identity of Pākehā in New Zealand and their relationship with the Treaty of Waitangi. Reese argues that although Pākehā benefit from social and economic privileges, they often struggle with a deep-seated insecurity about their identity. This “Pākehā existential dilemma” limits support for Māori advancement and hinders reconciliation efforts. The Treaty, often seen as a Māori benefit, is also crucial for Pākehā, providing a framework for understanding their place in New Zealand and fostering a deeper connection to the land and its people. By embracing their responsibilities under the Treaty, Pākehā can work towards a more genuine and equitable partnership with Māori
—Andrew Picard and Andrew Clark-Howard
The British colonisation of Aotearoa New Zealand and the development of nineteenth century settler society occurred within the confines of the settler imaginary. This article argues that a further specification of the Christian settler imaginary captures Christianity’s influence upon the entrenchment of whiteness in Aotearoa. Within the spheres of education, land, and war, British settlers employed distorted theo-logics to provide divine justification for their colonising strategies and legitimise their destructive forces. By examining the historic fusion of Christianity and colonisation in these arenas we seek to lay bare the truth of the Christian settler imagination as a repentant remembrance in service of a different future.
Manuka Henare makes the case for how Christians should uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Given this is a voice from 35 years ago, it shows the conversation has been going on for a long time.
He also cites Pompalier as a source from 1845 demonstrating Māori did not cede sovereignty.
—Stu McGregor
This addresses two issues.
First Stu’s reason why for advocating for Te Tiriti justice and the second challenging the idea that “Churches should not be engaged in bicultural” journeys—i.e. that we are all ‘one in Christ’ therefore culture is irrelevant.
—Lillian Murray
This is a powerful exploration of pepeha evolution from a Pākehā perspective. She talks about the cultural celebrations and challenges that Pākehā face when engaging with Māori from the standpoint of "Pākehā are here by Māori permission” (an essence of Te Tiriti). Very accessible and full of personal story and reflection— it’s a must read.