Weeping Waters: The Treaty of Waitangi and Constitutional Change

by Malcolm Mulholland, Veronica Tawhai (Editor)

Weeping Waters is a must read for anyone who wants to be informed about the current debate regarding the Treaty of Waitangi and a constitution for Aotearoa New Zealand. The book features essays from eighteen well-known and respected Maori figures including Professor Margaret Mutu, Bishop Muru Walters, Judge Caren Fox and lawyer Moana Jackson. This is the first book in recent years to offer a Māori opinion on the subject of constitutional change. It shows how Māori views have been ignored by successive governments and the courts and how Māori have attempted to address constitutional issues in the past. The book also provides suggestions for a pathway forward if the Treaty of Waitangi is to be fully acknowledged as the foundation for a constitution for Aotearoa New Zealand.

442 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there were better books on this important topic, but if they exist I do not know of them.

This is a collection of essays, most of which spend their first third recounting the same history from similar perspectives. Unfortunately most of the essays end with far too brief discussions of options or recommendations.

And, this book is now 10 years old, and parts of it are out of date.

That being said, this is the best book I know of, and there are a few million Kiwis who would benefit from reading it.

[Jonathon Hagger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The place of the Treaty in society and modern times is an ongoing conversation to be had. This book establishes a strong foundation for developing knowledge of the how New Zealand has gotten to where it is- without a constitution. A great read for people wanting to start understanding the positions of all sides, especially Māori

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Factually incorrect under Margaret Mutu's "Constitutional Intentions: The Treaty of Waitangi Texts". The author often refers to Queen Victoria's father "The King", but he wasn't, The King was her uncle. Such an error makes me wonder the accuracy of the rest.