Toitū te Tiriti - Honor Our Treaty

A1 Print.

The warrior symbolises our Tupuna who fought for their rights and sovereignty. The background is filled with signatures, reminiscent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. calling for the continued respect and honor of the promises made. Surrounding the central figure are vivid depictions of the struggles faced by the Māori community today—images of gambling, teenage pregnancy, and alcohol highlight the societal challenges that persist.

What does being Maori mean to me? Asking myself this question, even writing it feels conflicting: am I Maori enough to even ask? I guess if I’m being honest I feel a little bit embarrassed that my connection to my whakapapa and whenua isn’t where it should be and I should be doing more to connect… 

I remember my first time on a marae for a tangi (funeral). I learned many lessons in those couple of days - The aunty brigade was in full effect;

• You don’t jump on the mattresses (guilty your honor).

• You don’t sit on pillows or tables as they are tapu.

• Males sit at the front of the marae

& a close relative, that shall remain unnamed, tried to kiss a man as he went in for a hongi (LOL! Rookie bruh).

Matariki, the Māori New Year, shines in the backdrop, representing hope, reflection, and the chance for renewal. For me this resonates as it’s never too late to explore and deepen my connection to a nationality I’m truly proud to say runs through my blood.