70% of island residents are in favor of equal rights for Māori and non-Indigenous residents of New Zealand on the colonial treaty issue (Te Tiriti o Waigangi), a survey commissioned by the Rights Commission showed Humans of New Zealand, The New Zealand Herald writes on November 23.
The treaty was concluded in 1840 with several New Zealand tribal leaders. The treaty was originally written in English and translated into Māori, but its validity has been questioned for several reasons. The text of the treaty was inaccurately translated, not all tribes signed it, in addition, the treaty was relatively short and did not cover all aspects of interaction.
However, it is considered one of the foundations of the legal relationship between the indigenous and non-indigenous inhabitants of the island, even though New Zealand is no longer a colony. According to the survey, 80% of New Zealand citizens believe the treaty applies to all islanders, regardless of race.
The split emerged on the issue of shared governance: 49% agreed that Māori should address issues and be involved in making decisions affecting the minority. 83% believe that it is important for everyone to know the history of the country.
Regarding the agreement itself, 58% consider themselves informed about the essence of the agreement, while 32% do not. At the same time, 13% read the agreement in the Maori language, 23% read the translation of the Maori version (which is considered valid according to international laws) into English. 32% have not read any Te Tiriti account or account of Waigangi.
It is worth noting that in New Zealand the majority of residents (around 78%) are from the United Kingdom. Maori make up about 10% of the island’s inhabitants, Polynesians – 4%, Asians – 8%. The official languages are English and Maori.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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