Te Tiriti Symposium: Kaimahi Reflections on Truth, Mātauranga, and Resilience

At the recent Te Tiriti Symposium, Te Oranganui kaimahi gathered with Dr Veronica Tawhai for an in-depth wānanga on Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The day offered more than just teaching — it created an interactive space where kaimahi shared their own experiences and perspectives alongside Dr Tawhai’s mātauranga.

Kaimahi reflected on how the truths of Te Tiriti are far greater than what many were taught in school or university, and how reconnecting to the decisions and intentions of tūpuna in 1840 builds confidence and cultural resilience. The kōrero also highlighted the importance of carrying Te Tiriti values and tikanga into mahi today, ensuring they reflect whakapapa and the kaupapa of Te Oranganui.

The symposium was a reminder that understanding Te Tiriti is not just about history — it is about grounding ourselves in knowledge, truth, and resilience, so that the legacy of our rangatira continues to guide us forward.