Matike Mai Aotearoa : He Whakaaro Here Whakaumu mo Aotearoa

This is a new print edition of the original report launched on Waitangi Day in 2016. Commissioned by the Iwi Chairs’ Forum in 2010, the Matike Mai Working Group held 252 hui between 2012 and 2015. Their brief was:

“To develop and implement a model for an inclusive Constitution for Aotearoa based on tikanga and kawa, He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Niu Tireni of 1835, Te Tiriti o Waitangi of 1840, and other indigenous human rights instruments which enjoy a wide degree of international recognition”.

The Working Group sought advice from Maori around the motu about a constitution based upon He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti, rather than on the Westminster system. Matike Mai Aotearoa is a call to action towards a future based on our two founding documents - for this reason the report talks about “constitutional transformation” rather than “constitutional change”.

Matike Mai Aotearoa is essential reading for all those interested in Tiriti – based futures for our country. It gives crucial insights into views held within contemporary Maoridom about core values a constitution should express. Opening with mihi/forewords by Hone Sadler, Margaret Mutu and Moana Jackson, it provides six possible models for constitutional transformation, and contains photos of some of the consultation hui.

This easy-to-read publication is suitable for all New Zealanders and will be a source of valuable material for secondary, tertiary and adult students. Matike Mai Aotearoa is already being cited in numerous spheres, and this new edition with convenient index and glossary will increase its reach as Aotearoa looks towards the 2040 bicentenary of Te Tiriti’s signing.