Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi

Within Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand, the health of Māori or Tangata Whenua (people of the land), is recognised as a taonga, a treasure that must be protected.

By embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi at the centre of this research we will ensure that all aspects of this project is designed to ensure the attainment and maintenance of health equity for both Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti (people of the Treaty).

The four articles of Te Tiriti will guide the creation, implementation and dissemination of this research project.

Article One: Kāwanatanga/Governance

The governance of this project will ensure the interests of all peoples within Aoteaora New Zealand, both Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti, are equitably embedded and reflected within all aspects of the research.

Article Two: Tino Rangatiratanga/Self-determination

The authority and autonomy of Tangata Whenua is recognised. All decisions and actions that will have an impact on Tangata Whenua life, health and wellbeing will be led and determined by Tangata Whenua.

Article Three: Oritetanga/Equality

Tangata Whenua are guaranteed equal and equitable access to the same rights and privileges as Tangata Tiriti. Thus, Tangata Whenua involvement will be prioritised to ensure equity is reflected across all phases of the research.   

Article Four: Wairuatanga/Spirituality

The wairua and spiritual dimensions of lived reality of all Tangata Whenua will be centred within this research. We will not only create a safe and respectful space for these dimensions to be shared, but will also ensure that these dimensions will be reflected across each phase of the research.*

Note

*The fourth article is an addition to Te Tiriti which outlined protection for all peoples within Aotearoa New Zealand and their chosen faiths. This addition was negotiated by Catholic Bishop Jean-Baptiste Pompallier and written down (on a separate piece of paper from Te Tiriti) by Missionary Henry Williams. Though it may not be inscribed in the formal Treaty document, the agreement for its inclusion was witnessed by all those that were present on the 6th February 1840 to sign Te Tiriti.