Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy
Purpose
Jigsaw North Manaaki Whanau recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi (TTOW) as the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand. Alongside He Whakaputanga – Declaration of Independence – signed by Māori Rangatira in Te Tai Tokerau, Te Tiriti o Waitangi defines the relationship between tangata whenua and the Crown and provides a basis for all citizens to live and belong here.
Recognising and actively honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi is an important part of being an effective community organisation in New Zealand.
This policy sets out Jigsaw North’s commitment, as stated in the Employment Policy, to honouring Te Tiriti of Waitangi and working in a mana enhancing way.
Jigsaw North recognises the status of Māori as tangata whenua and will ensure that our organisational culture and work environment reflect Māori interests and aspirations.
At its core Te Tiriti o Waitangi is about social justice, providing a platform to recognise Māori needs and aspirations and ensuring Māori can enjoy equal opportunities and participate actively as staff and clients of Jigsaw North.
Jigsaw North acknowledges that misinterpretation of the agreement recorded in TTOW has been a longstanding grievance for Māori of Te Tai Tokerau. Since 2014 the Waitangi Tribunal has upheld the claim that the treaty their ancestors signed confirmed and guaranteed their self determination and that no cessation of sovereignty has taken place.
This policy applies to all staff, board members, and volunteers of Jigsaw North.
Principles
Understanding the basis of Te Tiriti o Waitangi means understanding the Articles of TTOW.
Kawanatanga – Stewardship The First Article gives the Crown the principle of governance or the right to make laws and to govern in accordance with its constitutional process on the condition that appropriate priority is given to the interests of Māori, as set out in this Article.
This means we have a responsibility to consider the interests of Māori in our decision-making processes.
Rangatiratanga – Māori Self Determination The Second Article guarantees iwi the principle of self- management or Māori control and enjoyment of those resources and taonga they wish to retain.
This means we have a responsibility to actively protect Māori rights to rangatiratanga in our actions and decisions.
Oritetanga – Equity The Third Article guarantees legal equality between Māori and all other New Zealand citizens, essentially ensuring equal access to resources and participation in systems and processes to achieve equitable outcomes.
This means we have a responsibility to ensure Māori have equal access to our services and in our decision-making processes.
Ritenga Māori – Mataraunga Māori The Oral Declaration guarantees that Maori customary rituals and Mataraunga Māori are able to be practised.
This means we have a responsibility to ensure Te Ao Māori and tikanga are guaranteed relevance alongside Western world views.
Procedure
We will:
undertake review and amendment of our constitution, policies and practices to ensure alignment with this TTOW policy
grow the capacity and capability of our Māori staff
integrate cultural safety as a core component of training and practice
integrate Māori models of practice in our work with Māori whanau including Te Whare Tapa Wha for assessment and intervention
promote understanding and implementation of mana enhancing practice for all
provide services that are culturally appropriate and effectively meet the needs and aspirations of Māori
ensure training for those who do not have experience or training in this area of practice
organise marae visits and noho to grow the understanding and experience of Te Ao Māori for all staff
safeguard mātauranga Māori and cultural concepts, values and practices
promote the use of Te Reo Māori, tikanga Māori, including karakia and waiata in our practices
Feedback from Māori staff, clients and other Māori stakeholders will be sought to adjust interventions to ensure that their needs are being met.
Summary
Jigsaw North will ensure that staff have a good understanding of this policy so that anything we do to implement this policy is genuine and not just for show. This is likely to mean ongoing training and discussion for individuals and as an organisation.
References:
Network Waitangi Whangarei
FlyingGeesePro.nz – 17 Habits of a Valued Treaty Partner
Related Policies:
Jigsaw North Employment Policy
Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy – Review Date May 2027
