Māori sovereignty

Māori Sovereignty refers to the belief that Māori people have the right to self-determination and governance over their own affairs, culture, and resources in New Zealand. This concept emphasizes the significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), an agreement made in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown. While the Crown assumed authority, many Māori assert that their sovereignty was never ceded. Today, discussions around Māori sovereignty involve legal recognition, land rights, and political representation, reflecting a desire for Māori to have a meaningful voice in the governance and future of New Zealand.