Conversations About Indigenous Rights

The UN declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples is a deeply significant document. This book reflects on the tenth anniversary of the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration and examines its relevance in New Zealand. It shows the strong alignment between the Treaty of Waitangi and the Declaration, and examines how the Declaration assists the interpretation and application of Treaty principles of partnership, protection and participation. Starting from a range of viewpoints and disciplines, the authors agree that in Aotearoa New Zealand the journey to full implementation is now well underway, but warn that greater political leadership, willpower, resources and a stronger government commitment is needed.

Selwyn Katene (Ngati Toa, Nga Ruahine, Ngati Tama and Ngati Tuwharetoa) was Professor of Maori and Indigenous Leadership and Director of the Global Centre of Indigenous Leadership at Massey University. Prior to that he was the university’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Maori & Pasifika, and Director of its MANU AO Leadership Academy. He is the author of six books, with an emphasis on Maori leadership. Rawiri Taonui (Te Hikutu and Ngati Korokoro, Te Kapotai and Ngati Paeahi, Ngati Rora, Ngati Wheru, Ngati Te Taonui) is an independent writer, researcher and advisor. He was New Zealand’s first Professor of Indigenous Studies. He has presented at the UN Experts Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. He is a member of the Tribunal to Investigate Claims of Genocide in El Salvador.