Waitangi commemorations highlight ongoing Māori-Government challenges

Waitangi National Trust chairman Pita Tipene at Waitangi 2025. Photo / Dean Purcell

Despite 185 years of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the relationship between Māori and central Government continues to face challenges.

That was the sentiment of Waitangi National Trust chair Pita Tipene just after dawn broke on Waitangi Day.

Thousands descended upon Northland this week to mark the partnership between tangata whenua and the Crown.

While the energy from those attending commemorations was positive, the Treaty Principles Bill and other policies continued to draw criticism.

As to whether the Government was listening to what was being said, Tipene wasn’t sure.

Waitangi Day 2025 celebrations in Paihia. Waitangi Whangarei stands in solidarity. Photo / Dean Purcell

He was displeased at the absence of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who instead spent the day at Ōnuku Marae.

Numbers for this year’s Waitangi were lower than expected and less than last year.

Despite the smaller attendance, Far North mayor Moko Tepania felt the sense of nationhood and identity was strong.

“Politically of course [Waitangi Day] was always going to be heightened because of the Treaty Principles Bill.”

That was seen on Wednesday when protesters turned their backs on key speakers and Ngāti Wai chairperson Aperahama Edwards took the microphone from Act’s David Seymour.

Supporters of Te Tiriti and anti-Government protesters turn their backs on David Seymour as he speaks at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Photo / Dean Purcell

Tepania said a lot of work had gone into ensuring manaakitanga [respect] throughout the week.

“But at the same point in time, it is culturally appropriate for our people to express themselves as part of that.”

Tepania felt those moments reminded central Government policymakers that upholding Te Tiriti O Waitangi was vital.

He felt the Treaty Principles Bill had for many been the “straw that broke the camel’s back” especially after the reversal of Māori names from Government agencies, Māori Wards and the repeal of smokefree laws.

Tepania said the Government would be scrutinised by the nation moving forward.

He felt tensions would persist until Māori felt Te Tiriti O Waitangi was being lived.

“As a Māori myself, I think about my own ancestors.

“We would be doing a disservice to our ancestors if we were to roll over or lay down.”

Young people were among the thousands attending Waitangi this year. Photo / Dean Purcell

He also said local Government continued to play a key role in ensuring strong relationships with iwi and hapū in the community.

Tepania encouraged people who opposed the system to participate.

“We have 14,000 on our Māori roll, but in our last election only 4000 voted.”

Northland National Party MP Grant McCallum said Waitangi offered a unique opportunity to showcase the region.

That included the challenges the region was facing with roading infrastructure and housing.

The waka ceremony at Waitangi. Photo / Dean Purcell

Of the Prime Minister’s absence, he said Luxon had been clear he wanted to get around the country on Waitangi.

“I’m sure he’ll be back again.”

He felt the relationship between Government and tangata whenua was robust.

“Ultimately we want the same thing as a country, it’s a question of the journey to get there [which] will be bumpy and this is another year of it.

“I think overall we’re making progress.”

Thousands lined the shoreline for the waka ceremony at Waitangi this year. Photo / Dean Purcell

The waka ceremony at Waitangi drew crowds in the thousands. Photo / Dean Purcell.

The spine-tingling haka during the waka ceremony at Waitangi. Photo / Dean Purcell

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.