Raising the Bar: A Constitution Accommodating Maori Rights

Raising the Bar is back for a third round. The University of Auckland is proud to once again host this unique event in which our academics give free public lectures in pubs and bars.

Join Claire Charter for Why we need a Constitution Accommodating Māori Rights.

New Zealand is one of the only countries in the world with an unwritten constitution under which legislation can pass in breach of human rights. It has often done so, historically and even recently, especially with respect to Māori.

Claire argues that New Zealand needs a written constitution recognising iwi rangatiratanga and the rights of indigenous peoples.

She will illustrate why, despite popular belief, creating a system that aligns with Māori philosophy does not discriminate against non-Māori.

Claire says it is jarring to hear that Māori rights are discriminatory to non-Māori after almost a century-and-a-half of political under-representation, loss of land and Treaty of Waitangi breaches.

For there to be equality, there needs to be recognition of Māori rangatiratanga and the application of tikanga Māori in appropriate cases.

Registrations essential.