Becoming Tangata Tiriti: Working with Maori, Honouring the Treaty

by Avril Bell

Becoming Tangata Tiriti brings together twelve non-Maori voices – dedicated professionals, activists and everyday individuals – who have engaged with te ao Maori and have attempted to bring te Tiriti to life in their work. In stories of missteps, hard-earned victories and journeys through the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, Becoming Tangata Tiriti is a book of lessons learned. Sociologist Avril Bell analyses the complicated journey of today' s partners of te Tiriti o Waitangi, and Who are we as tangata tiriti? How do we identify in relation to Maori? What are our responsibilities to te Tiriti? What do we do when we inevitably stumble along the way? With words by champions in their fields, including Meng Foon, Andrew Judd and others, this concise paperback acts as a guide for those just beginning their journey towards a Tiriti-based society – and is a sound refresher for others well along the path.

Genres: Nonfiction

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 2024

Reviews

[Daria Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought-provoking, interesting, and encouraging exploration of what it means to become tangata tiriti - the shifts in identify, perspective, perception, and behaviour to engage with tangata whenua and te ao Māori in a respectful and mana-engaging way. Powerful.

[Soph]

I think there’s value in Pākehā interrogating our own identities, values and emotional hang ups about doing work in this space. In my view, this book is very much a guide to internal reflection, in anticipation of taking more tangible action.

[Susan Wilson]

This book gives permission to positively identify as Pākehā. I found the term “recovering racist” useful, along with the call not only to respond to racism but play my part by learning Te Reo and tikanga Māori. I also like analogy used to explain Te Tiriti by comparing it to marriage. I will definitely use it! I also liked the "bridge" analogy that Māori are consistently asked to cross the bridge, and that possibly embracing hongi is another way to move closer in the way non-Māori have embraced some Te Reo. Definitely things to think about. It is a dense and challenging read, often having to reread pages multiple time. I also got confused about who some of the 12 non-Māori, and where they fitted.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must read for tauiwi, sadly never of them ever would. this book incorporates the experiences and wisdoms of non Māori New Zealanders - mostly Pākehā - and how they have learned, often by making mistakes, how to be tangata tiriti in a meaningful way.

[Char Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book for those who are Tangata Tiriti, and those who want to ally and work with Māori. It helped me reflect on my own engagement with Māori as a Pakēhā trying to navigate a changing Aotearoa

[Cormac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timely.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book really helpful as I wrangle with my place in country as a colonial descended pākehā.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and thought-provoking. I predict I’ll be returning to this book many times as I continue to learn

[emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Grounding. A massive turning point, a great conversation, a way forward. Essential reading. What I was searching for. Accompanied Alison Jones’ This Pākehā Life

[Claire Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a while to read this book as there is so much to understand and take in. It’s a book I will keep rereading & learning from.