Conversations about Indigenous Rights: The UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People in Aotearoa New Zealand

The UN declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples is a deeply significant document. In 2007, then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon described its signing as an ‘historic moment when UN Member States and indigenous peoples reconciled with their painful histories and resolved to move forward together on the path of human rights, justice and development for all’.

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.

Drawing on both scholarship and lived experience, Conversations About Indigenous Rights features chapters by Moana Jackson, Dame Naida Glavish, Sir Pita Sharples, Rawiri Taonui, Selwyn Katene, Sheryl Lightfoot, Steve Larkin, Anaru Erueti, Jessica Ngatai, Fleur Te Aho, Tracey Whare, Pushpa Wood and Jason Mika.

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. Rawiri is a well-known political writer who has written over 400 newspaper and magazine articles and book chapters. He has won seven writing awards. Dr Taonui 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.

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 has been a senior manager at the Mental Health Commission, the Ministry of Health, the Public Health Commission and in the pharmaceutical industry. He is the author of six books, each with an emphasis on Maori leadership.