Land Stories
June 27, 2025
Most of us understand that treaty settlements with New Zealand Maori are about trying to redress past wrongs. Growing up in Christchurch, I didn't give much thought to the matter, as I recall there was only one Maori kid at our high school, indeed there were probably more Asian exchange students back then. Besides Canterbury was purchased and paid for and native rights had been extinguished when the first European settlers arrived. What we weren't taught was what a shonky dishonest deal it was. Enterprise and prosperity followed colonisation, but not for all, Maori were made beggars in their own land. This is a sponsored story for the Christchurch Methodist Mission. My thanks to Dr. Jane Higgins for allowing me to share her work.
For generations, the ancestral rock art of the Arowhenua people has been owned by others, with the land and limestone caves held in private ownership as part of a Gould family farm. Now after more than 170 years, Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua has purchased back the land and full access and ownership of their ancient taonga.
Sit across the table if you're able
from that person that you harmed
and disarmed listen
leave defences at the door
and do nothing more than listen.