Reflecting on 50 Years of the Waitangi Tribunal
About this research
This edited collection brings together collates the work of leading Māori scholars to reflect on the impact and legacy of the Waitangi Tribunal over the past 50 years. Covering areas such as whenua, resources, social policy and rangatiratanga, it highlights the breadth of issues the Tribunal has addressed and its role in shaping understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Released to mark this significant milestone, the book provides an accessible and contemporary resource for researchers, policy makers and communities, supporting ongoing engagement with Te Tiriti and its relevance in Aotearoa today.
Project Lead - Maria Bargh (Te Arawa, Ngāti Awa) Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington
“A key intention of this book is to ensure that the Tribunal’s work is practical and accessible for hapū and iwi. Each chapter outlines the main arguments Māori have raised in specific areas, such as freshwater, alongside the Tribunal’s recommendations. Together, these provide a foundation that communities can draw on in future advocacy, particularly where there are concerns about breaches of Te Tiriti. We’re already seeing these collated arguments being used in current debates at both local and central government levels.”
In 2025, the Waitangi Tribunal marks 50 years since its founding. This new collection, edited by Carwyn Jones and Maria Bargh, will bring together Māori scholars to reflect on the Tribunal’s impactful work across key issues like whenua, awa, taonga, and rangatiratanga. It will highlight the enduring significance of Tribunal findings for Māori communities, despite ongoing challenges in government response.