A call to Māori Christians

Tiriti O Waitangi: Ko Aotearoa toku Turangawaewae. E Tu! E Tu! E Tu! Tangata Whenua o Aotearoa. Kei te piripiri mai te iwi Māori ki te tangata Tauwiwi.

Tears stream down my face when I think of the many generations of Māori people of Aotearoa New Zealand affected by the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

I think it is fair to say that the humbleness of our ancestors in days gone by meant that they signed the Treaty believing its translation into Te Reo was accurate. However, it soon became clear that the Treaty was mistranslated—either deliberately or in error—and this resulted in two totally different understandings. A high price has been paid because of this.

I acknowledge the tears and heartaches of our forefathers, and also the progress that has been made with our dominant Pākehā Treaty partner. In the spiritual realm, I truly believe it is yet to be recognised that God destined us Māori people to be kaitaiki (guardians and protectors) over Aotearoa New Zealand. God was and is our blessed navigator and provider.

Joshua verse 1:6 says, ‘God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, because he will lead these people to inherit the land, God swore to his forefathers.’ To me, this verse speaks both reassurance and command to Māori today. God reminds us that he remains our leader and provider. And God commands us to be strong and courageous, speaking out for our land’s care and protection, and for the wellbeing of its people.

Let me paint you a picture of beautiful memories from my past—of my upbringing as a child surrounded by God’s awesome creation.

I was raised on a marae where the land was tilled well, where men hunted for food, and women and children gathered water from our springs. We enjoyed food, water and life skills in
a natural environment. We harvested freshwater food from the lake, our soil was rich, and fruit trees and orchards were all around our homes along the lakeside. Greens such as watercress, puha, and dandelion came from the whenua—we reaped what we sowed
and never failed to feed the wider Māori community. Every Sunday, our whānau would travel to Whakatane and Ohope to gather seafood, returning with kai for extended whānau as well. 
 
A picture paints a thousand words, but sadly this particular picture is torn apart, so that my heart breaks and grief comes in. This past hurt is lessening because Christ has made me strong. He has allowed me to feel the hurt, but he is also bringing healing. Yes, the Treaty covenant has been broken by the dominant partner so that healing of our relationship is needed. But healing is possible.

Māori Christians must cling to hope of reconciliation: people to the land, Māori culture to non-Māori culture, and people to God. We must be strong and courageous, doing whatever we can about the injustices that remain, for the sake of our future generations. When we do this, we are also doing what God calls us to do for the Kingdom of God.

He aha te mea nui o te Ao? He Tangata He Tangata He Tangata. What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people! 

By Sandy Galvin (abridged from War Cry, 28 January 2012, p3)