December 18, 2023
Māori moved to protest
The author of a history of Māori protest says last week’s attack on Te Papa’s Treaty of Waitangi exhibition is a timely reminder Māori can and will take direct action if they feel their concerns are ignored.
The Waka Hourua protestors defaced a large panel showing of the English version of the Treaty – saying it was misleading.
The group said it had repeatedly asked the museum to take it down.
University of Auckland associate professor Aroha Harris says she doesn’t know if it was directly related to coalition Government policies, but it seems more than a coincidence.
“I wasn’t surprised. I think our new government has – shall I say – inspired, prompted, spurred a few actions around the place in a short time.. and this is one of them,” Dr Harris says.
Some of the 12 people arrested for the attack are due to appear in court in Wellington this week.