Land Rights Dispute Intensifies in Guam Ahead of December Missile Testing
Words by Ashleigh Putt-Fallows (She/Her) | Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Tūhoe
In Guam, the fight for land rights is intensifying ahead of planned missile testing in December. The Missile Defence Agency has reduced the number of affected landowners from hundreds to dozens. Tony Sablan, a Chamorro leader and disabled veteran, has fought for 45 years to access his land, enduring military restrictions and losing over 5,000 acres; he is a strong critic of the military's impact on the local economy and land development. Despite opposition, Guam's Governor emphasizes the community's support for US citizenship and military presence. Sablan, however, prefers cultural respect over American citizenship.
Northland Iwi Rebuke PM Luxon’s Claim of Māori Sovereignty Cession
Words by Ashleigh Putt-Fallows (She/Her) | Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Tūhoe
Two Northland iwi, Ngāti Hine and Ngāti Manu, have criticized Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's claim that Māori ceded sovereignty to the Crown. Luxon made this assertion in Parliament on August 20, leading the iwi to issue a joint letter rejecting his statement. They argue his view contradicts the Waitangi Tribunal’s 2014 findings, which stated that Māori chiefs did not cede sovereignty but agreed to share power with Britain. The iwi invited Luxon to Waitangi for a discussion to correct the record.
Best-Selling Author Roimata Smail to Speak on Treaty of Waitangi at National Library Event Words by Ashleigh Putt-Fallows (She/Her) | Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, Tūhoe
Roimata Smail's pocket guide, Understanding Te Tiriti, has become a best-seller in New Zealand, and Salient recently was invited to attend her kōrero at the National Library of New Zealand to speak on the Treaty of Waitangi. Her talk, part of the library's E Oho! Waitangi series, aimed to clarify common misconceptions and address knowledge gaps about Te Tiriti. Dr. Tanja Schubert-McArthur highlights the series' goal to enhance understanding and reflect on historical perspectives. Smail emphasizes the simplicity of the Treaty’s principles, despite widespread misunderstanding.
Indigenous leaders joined King Tuheitia to sign important declarations
Words by Te Huihui o Matariki Chi Huy Tran (He/Him) | Taranaki Tūturu, Te Iwi o Maruwharanui, Ngāti Maniapoto
On Tuesday, 20 August 2024, at Tuurangawaewae Marae, they signed two historical declarations to protect whales and use ancestral knowledge. Marissa Merculieff from the Aleut Community signed He Whakaputanga Moana, which is all about protecting whales. Back in March, Māori leaders, including Kiingi Tuheitia, supported this declaration in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. Aperahama Edwards of Ngātiwai mentioned that it calls for giving whales legal personhood. King Pōmare of Tahiti signed Tuurama Ariki, promising to use ancestral knowledge for future generations and to advocate for planetary issues.
Mahia Te Mahi - VOTE!
Words by Te Huihui o Matariki Chi Huy Tran (He/Him) | Taranaki Tūturu, Te Iwi o Maruwharanui, Ngāti Maniapoto
The Heretaunga District Council has decided to keep the Takitimu Māori Ward, which is great news for Māori representation in local governance. They're not alone; Tauranga City Council, New Plymouth District Council, and Palmerston North City Council have also chosen to retain their Māori wards. These councils understand how important it is for Māori voices to be part of the decision-making process.
But here's the catch: the future of these wards really depends on voter turnout. In the 2022 elections, almost three-quarters of eligible Māori voters didn't cast their ballots, āe you didn’t read it wrong e te whānau, that’s a big portion of the Māori population. It is a big deal because recent changes to the Local Government Act mean that Māori wards could be scrapped after just one term if they don't get enough support.
So, while it's pretty mean that these councils are keeping the wards, it’s crucial for the Māori community to get more involved and vote to keep them around for a long period of time. So far, we’ve got a few councils looking into referendum refusal, and it hasn’t come to an end yet. Me āwhina mai koutou e te iwi Māori!