Shane Jones

Hikoi

Chelsea Winstanley

Maori wardens are a huge part of the commemorations here at the Waitangi treaty grounds... And we've got a very special quest with us now... Mary Anne Vogt who has been a Maori Warden since 1984 and has been at pretty much every waitangi day since...

Over the last few days up on the Waitangi treaty grounds, there have been some firery korero on the paepae. Labour MP and former Defence Minster Peeni Henare joins us live now. His grandfather is the late Sir James Henare who had a long association with Waitangi and was a commanding officer in the 28th Maori battalion.

The forum tent is always a hive of activity with a cocophony of voices talking to many different issues. A lot of what we see and hear on the marae at Waitangi is a reflection of indepth inquiry and investigation fleshed out in feature length at the forum Tent. Its normally located adjacent to Te Tii Marae, or the oft colloquially referred to "lower" marae, but due to renovation activity at that Marae, the forum tent moved to side of the waka house this year, close to the Treaty Grounds. One of the intriguing discussions this year was a local government representatives panel, featuring Tui Shortland, Bonita Bigham, Sam Broughton and the facilitator, Far North Mayor, Moko Te Pania.

In breaking news, Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles the Third has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. The 75-year-old was crowned King in May of last year, so he's only been the monarch for less than a year. Joining us now is uri o Te Arawa and London-based reporter Jamie Tahana.

You're listening to RNZ National from the treaty grounds at Waitangi and looking out at the open spaces here you could be tempted to play some sport - like hockey - which is the focus of our next story.

We're going to head to the deep south now - and it was 24 years ago when a Hui-a-Tau at Kaikoura laid out a 25 year vision for the future of Ngai Tahu. As the iwi itself states "Ngai Tahu 2025 is about tino rangatiratanga. It is about the ability to create and control our destiny. It is our tribal map that in the year 2025 will have carried us to the place where we are empowered as individuals, whanau, hapu, Papatipu Runanga and iwi to realise and achieve our dreams." Now, with the concluding year of that vision just around the corner how did the dreams at the turn of century match up with the reality of implementation. Joining us now from Ngai Tahu's Waitangi commemorations in Bluff is Justin Tipa, the Kaiwhakahaere of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu...

One of the United Kingdom's oldest and most iconic department stores is hosting a special Waitangi Day supper club later today. Fortnum and Mason's in central London was established in 1707 and members of the Royal Family have long shopped there including Queen Victoria and Elizabeth II. Ngati Raukawa chef Matt Burgess is doing a Maori boil up and our reporter Jamie Tahana dropped in to watch the preparations.

We're now crossing to our reporter Pokere Paewai, who has been here all weekend and is now on the bridge watching the waka out in the bay.

As the coalition government's treaty policies are tested and interrogated the Labour Party faces a different challenge - they have been told by Ngaapuhi not to lick their post election wounds for too long, to regroup and come up with a strategic plan to oppose the coalition's policies. Chris Hipkins joins me now, tena koe

Annette Sykes

"The kohanga reo generation is here, and we have a huge movement and a huge wave of us coming through." That korero is from our next guest, 21 year old Hana Rawhiti Maipi Clarke, while she was on the campaign trail at last year's election. She won the Hauraki-Waikato seat off incumbent Nanaia Mahuta, becoming Aotearoa's youngest ever female MP. The wave she speaks of is no illusion. The 2018 census showed that 57-percent of Maori are aged under 30, and as Hana Rawhiti Maipi Clarke demonstrates, they're starting to wield power.

For some Maori in Te Tai Tokerau home can consist of tents, old milking sheds or a simple cabin. To respond to the need for better homes, a housing expo is being launched today at Waitangi. Several show homes have been erected on the sports field, next to the main treaty grounds. Government agencies and private providers will be there to share their expertise to help whanau overcome the obstacles to home ownership. Aroha Shelford (Ngapuhi) is helping organise the expo and our producer Tama Muru popped in to take a look...

For Maori, preparations for the korero at Waitangi this year began in Turangawaewae with the national hui called by Kingi Tuheitia. From there, Ratana Pa carried the kaupapa of kotahitanga with the first direct exchanges with the Government, and Shane Jones called on those at Ratana to come to Waitangi to korero. Yesterday, that korero was held, but what, if anything, to people actually have to say? Maori and non-Maori media have followed the hui, and the korero, from Turangawaewae to Waitangi. Joining us now is RNZ Deputy Political Editor Craig McCullough, and Senior Editor at Aukaha News, Kereama Wright.

Ka tika a muri, ka tika a mua - healing the past, building a future - this has long been a guiding kaupapa for claimants and the Crown in the treaty settlement process. In 2023 the Crown signed deeds of settlement with Whakatohea, Central Whanganui and might be close to final ratification with Te Whanau a Apanui in the eastern Bay of Plenty. As the debate continues around the government's policies towards the treaty, the settlement of historical claims and the emergence of new ones continues.

Joining us now fresh from the Dawn Services Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Another first this Waitangi Day, was Tama Potaka who spoke at the government powhiri, in his capacity as a Crown Minister. He reflected on his tupuna U-tiku Potaka and recalled his own ongoing commitment to Te Tiriti as a founding constititional document for the nation.

Live coverage of Waitangi Day Dawn Service.

Five year old Hiwa talks about the Treaty of Waitangi.

The 28 Maori Battalion's Battle Honours Memorial flag with the Battalions 42 Campaign and Battle Honours are being presented to be recognised for the first time in 76 years. They're being presented by the New Zealand Army to Ta Robert aka BOM Gillies, 28 (Maori) Battalion's the last surviving member.

Te Rau Aroha was a much loved canteen truck, riddled with bullet holes, that crossed the battlefields of North Africa and Italy in World War Two alongside the 28th Maori Battalion. It's also the name of a museum here at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds which honours those Maori who fought in Aotearoa and overseas. The curator of Te Rau Aroha, Chanel Clarke.

It is 183 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi but across the Tasman indigenous Australians have been waiting a lot longer for a treaty or some sort of constitutional recognition. Australia is the only one of Britian's former colonies that doesn't have a treaty with its indigenous people but 2023 could be a year of historic change. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to hold a referendum later this year asking Australians to "support an alteration to the constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice". One of those campaigning for this change is veteran activist Pat Anderson, an elder of the Alyawarre people in the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Mukai Duder-Hura is former Youth MP for Te Tai Tokerau, and so is Capone Heremaia Kuri. We also speak to Kelsey Lee, a senior campaigner at the JustSpeak who has also been heavily involved in the Greens youth movement.

One of the largest, most complex, and longest-running Treaty of Waitangi claims is entering a new phase this year. The flora and fauna claim -- more commonly known as Wai 262 -- was lodged in 1991 by a group of concerned kuia from the North. It deals with cultural and intellectual property rights - and calls for protection and authority over indigenous species, traditional knowledge, Maori symbols, designs, and other cultural property.

On February 6 1952 a young Princess Elizabeth was in Kenya when word reached her of the death of her father, King Charles VI. In that instant she became Queen, although her coronation came the following year. So today marks the first time since 1951 that Waitangi Day dawns without Queen Elizabeth II as our head of state. Now her son, King Charles III, is sovereign for the first time on our national day. What can we expect from him in the years ahead, especially as countries like Barbados abandon the monarchy to become a republic?

Aotearoa's largest iwi, Ngapuhi, is behind one of the biggest Waitangi Tribunal claims ever heard and its findings could permanently alter the country's constitutional arrangements. Last December the Tribunal presented an 18-hundred page report detailing treaty breaches against Ngapuhi in the 19th century, including land loss and an erosion of rangatiratanga. We host a panel discussion featuring Alana Thomas, Dallas King and Hinerangi Himiona

Each year the Ngai Tahu Treaty Festival altenates between the three papatipu marae closest to the three places where Ngai Tahu rangatira signed Te Tiriti. Te Rau Aroha Marae in Motupohue, Bluff. Otakou Marae near Dunedin, and Onuku Marae on Banks Peninsula. Today it will host the Ngai Tahu treaty festival, Edward Ellison is the Upoko of Te Runanga o Otakou.

The Far North has one of six newly elected Maori mayors across the country's 78 districts. He's Moko Tepania - the 31 year old kura kaupapa teacher who's also the first Maori, and youngest-ever mayor of the Far North.

A little experiment was how the National Party leader Christopher Luxon described the signing of the Treaty here at Waitangi 183 years ago - the comment was described as belittling and patronising. But he defended the statement and said he meant to convey New Zealand set an example that hadn't been done elsewhere before.

The Prime Minister Chris Hipkins talks about the dawn service to mark the 183rd anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Te Reo Māori, and its survival, continues to be a focal point for Māori, and justifiably is debated and discussed each Waitangi Day. This year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Māori language petition, led by Hana Te Hemara. The petition was brought to the steps of parliament in 1972, spearheaded by rangatahi groups including Ngā Tamatoa. In the end, it gathered more than 30-thousand signatures calling for the active recognition of Te Reo Māori. 

Māori doctors and health providers have been working tirelessly around Aotearoa to support and encourage Māori whānau to get vaccinated against Covid 19. An important milestone was hit this weekend, 90 per cent of Māori now vaccinated with their first dose. It hasn't been an easy outcome to achieve and with Omicron now here, the push to get eligible whānau "boosted" and tamariki Māori vaccinated has become the goal.  Joining Māni on the show are Dr Matire Harwood GP at  Papakura Marae and the representative of Te Rōpū Whakakaupapa Urutā National Māori Pandemic Group on the Ministry of Health's Covid-19 Technical Advisory Group, and Dr Jason Tuhoe, of the Royal New Zealand College of GPs and the deputy chair of Te Akoranga a Māui. 

On Wednesday, an historic agreement that recognised Māori interest in spectrum was signed in parliament.  The Māori Spectrum Working Group comprises representatives of Treaty of Waitangi claimants groups including Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau i Te Reo (Wellington Māori Language Board) and the New Zealand Māori Council. We are joined on the show by Piripi Walker, a doyen of Māori Radio and Māori broadcasting, and is a member of the Māori Spectrum Working Group representing Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau i te reo Māori.

50 years ago, a group of university students banded together to push back against the system, and call for an end to racism. They were Ngā Tamatoa - young warriors. 

While she isn't able to be on the Treaty grounds, this is the first Waitangi Day for Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro. She took up the role of Governor-General last year and is the first wāhine Māori to hold the role. Before she began the role she was chief executive of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. Prior to that she had also been Children's Commissioner and the chair of the Welfare Expert Advisory Group. Julian speaks to Dame Cindy about her views on today. 

The pandemic, and the public health response to it thrust people into positions they hadn't expected. This was especially true of young māori leaders who suddenly found themselves at the forefront of vaccination and public health rollouts around the motu.  Julian Wilcox is joined by co-leaders of Ngāti Rangatahi Maioha Panapa & Tauawhi Bonilla to discuss the difficulties and opportunities of the pandemic response for rangatahi māori. 

The way we as a nation mark Waitangi Day has itself gone through quite the transformation. Today, of course, the grounds are largely silent. But over generations, it's been a scene of carnivals and protests; reflection and commemoration; celebration and grievance. For much of the past 188 years, it wasn't marked at all. It wasn't until the 20th century that it started to be seen as a day to remember - although just how has proved contentious. We got our Māori News reporter Jamie Tahana to dive through the sound archive, to trace how Waitangi Day has changed in shape and appearance.

This Waitangi Day is Opposition Leader, and National Party Leader, Christopher Luxon's first holding those roles. Whilst he couldn't attend Waitangi in person this year, he has been to Waitangi previously and is keen to discuss his aspirations for Aotearoa New Zealand as we look to Waitangi 2040.

The Race Relations Commissioner, Meng Foon, has called for urgent action to pursue compulsory te reo Maaori in schools. He's written letters to the Education Minister political party leaders and other MP's to push the cause and wants to see Te Reo Maori as a core subject up to year ten. 

From the Chair of the Waitangi Trust, to the Chair of Te Tii Marae. Often referred to as the lower marae, Te Tii Marae holds the Te Tiriti o Waitangi Wharehui and the Chair carries the name of one the principal hapu of Waitangi. Joining us to discuss the happenings at Te Ti Marae is the Chair, Ngati Kawa Taituha.

The covid pandemic has seen significant events around the world rescheduled or cancelled. Here in Aotearoa has been no different. Covid has effected one of the most important days in our nation's history. On this day one hundred and eight two years ago, over 40 rangatira signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Special commemorations of the signing held in Waitangi at the Treaty grounds have become an annual event. But, for the first time in years there will be no commemorations in Waitangi.

Dame Claudia Orange's writing on the Treaty of Waitangi has contributed to New Zealanders' understanding of this history for over thirty years. Dame Claudia Orange spoke with Julian Wilcox.

RNZ Pacific News Editor, Koro Vaka'uta, talked with New Zealanders of dual heritage for Waitangi Day.

Ripeka Evans on the long fight to have the mana wahine claim heard with the Waitangi Tribunal.

Ta Tipene O'Regan is the Upoko, or Traditional Head of Awarua Runanga. He was also the Chief Negotiator for the Ngai Tahu claim, and is credited as being one of the key architects of the Treaty of Waitangi Settlements process. He spoke with Julian Wilcox.

The Labour Party has its largest ever Maori caucus. Julian is joined at the Treaty Grounds by Shane Te Pou, no Ngai Tuhoe, a former candidate, campaign manager and executive member of the Labour Party and former NZ First MP, no Ngapuhi, Ngati Wai and Te Arawa, from the Hokianga, Jenny Marcroft. 

[image_crop:117184:full] This week saw the launch of a fascinating exhibition 'He kaupapa waka' at Te Kōngahu Museum at Waitangi. It's the work of photographer Te Rawhitiroa Bosch no Ngapuhi, Ngati Kahu me te iwi Pakeha. He sat down with Mani and Julian about how 'he kaupapa waka' began. The exhibition runs at Waitangi for most of the rest of 2021.

In November last year, policeman Wayne Wharerau was elected as Chair of the Ngapuhi Runanga, signalling a change in personnel, and possibly the approach, at the top of the organisation.

Judith Collins has had her first experience at Waitangi as National Party leader. 

ACT's David Seymour was joined at Te Whare Runanga this year by his party's nine new MPs. 

How will the Green Party make - as it has announced - Te Tiriti o Waitangi the centre of all their policies?

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke with Julian Wilcox about what her political priorities are this year.

This years Dawn Service was a little different from previous years, due to concerns around Covid-19.

Season Mary Downs and Alana Thomas talk about aspirations for 2040.

Nau mai e taku manu Piki mai e taku manu He manu aha ka tau? Kuaka marangaranga ki te tahuna Korimako pai ki kootaatara Tiwaiwaka i kutia e te mate He kotuku rerenga tahi Nau mai i runga i te komuri aroha I te ata hapara I te kohuretanga o te tai awatea

From 2022 New Zealand history will be taught in all schools and kura. History lessons are expected to include the arrival of Maori, early colonisation, the Treaty of Waitangi, immigration to New Zealand, and the evolving identity of the country. Dr Aroha Harris says there are many things to consider as the country gets ready for compulsory history in schools.

The kaitiaki of Ihumatao have been protecting their whenua for over three years now and just over six months ago, they were issued with an eviction notice.  The land is owned by Fletcher Enterprises but discussions have been had with the Kiingitanga, SOUL and the Government for its return. Mana whenua and members of SOUL - Save Our Unique Landscape - Qiane Matata-Sipu and Haki Wilson spoke with Shannon Haunui-Thomspson.

We've been discussing what Aotearoa may look like in twenty years time when we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti. Where do our Pasifika whanau weave into that fabric? Do they see themselves as Treaty partners? As RNZ Pacific's Koro Vaka'uta discovered, the shape of the future is intrinsically tied to our shared past

The Government's words at Waitangi on creating space to hold meaningful conversaions with Maori, and to encourage all New Zealanders to cross the bridge in to the Maori World, requires leadership in action, much of which will rest with Te Ara Whiti Minister, Kelvin Davis. He spoke with Julian Wilcox.

Youth Affairs reporter Katie Doyle is at Waitangi celebrations at Hoani Waititi in Manukau, South Auckland. Ngati Whatua are hosting an event at Okahu Bay in Orakei and there are also celebrations in West Auckland - Waitangi at Waititi.

Our panel looks at how Maori vulnerability and susceptibility to the effects of climate change can be mitigated, and what work is being done by Maori to make that happen. Mike Smith is spokesperson of the Iwi Chairs Forum Climate Change Leaders Group, Mere Mangu is chair of Te Runanga o Ngapuhi and Kera Sherwood O Regan, from Ngai Tahu is a human rights advocate and climate change campaigner.

Anjum Rahman from the Islamic Women's Council on why increased engagement between ethnic and religious minorities and tangata whenua is important. As the demographics of NZ change, understanding the country's history is crucial for all communities, she says.  

The year 2040 will mark 200 years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. It might seem like a long way off, but many rangatahi are already looking ahead, campaigning for climate change, revitalising te reo Maori and joining political movements, and monitoring how our MPs and PMs are performing. But what do they really think Aotearoa will look like in twenty years? Te Aniwa Hurihanganui visited Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Wairarapa in Masterton to find out

RNZ's Maori news director, Mani Dunlop has been listening to the the tutohetohe or debate held at the political forum tent at Te Tii Marae - also known as the lower marae.

All around Aotearoa today are commemoration events, celebrating, commemorating, reflecting on who we are, and pondering our shared future. In Te Waipounamu, Ngai Tahu holds an annual Waitangi Day Festival in its takiwaa, and this year they are at the majestic Otaakou Marae, on the Otaakou Peninsula, in Dunedin. Edward Ellison is kaumatua of Ngai Tahu, and esteemed elder of Otakou Marae.

Ousted at the last election, the Maori Party will seeking to get back into Parliament in September. The party hit its high point back in 2008 when it won five of the seven Maori seats, but lost seats each following election... until Labour swept the Maori seats in 2017, which spelled the end of Te Ururoa Flavell and Marama Fox's time in the House. In their absence have voters reconsidered their impact on New Zealand politics, and will they welcome them back? Che Wilson is a co-president of the Maori Party.

National's potential coalition partner ACT says they agree with the iwi leaders about self-determination and sovereignty, when it comes to things like education. David Seymour has been to Waitangi several times since he became an MP.

The Government's record on delivering for Maori, was called into question by Simon Bridges during his speech at Waitangi. The leader of the National Party said the so-called "year of delivery" had failed to produce results. We ask him to characterise his leadership and approach to designing policy.

Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson says the Zero Carbon Act is the foundation of how progress the country is making to resolve big climate change issues and looks ahead to what the Greens' priorities are as we head into the future

Winston Peters says he wants to see Maori parents, especially mothers encourage their children to be heroes, whether it's in sport, music or education. Mr Peters says it's his hope that Maori will experience equality with Pakeha much sooner than 2040. But he says equity is far harder to deliver, but it will be easier if more rangitahi are encouraged to aim for the top.

The Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern says the Government must address housing and child poverty before it can begin resolving wider aspirations for Maori, but she says she also wants New Zealand history taught in schools and for more children to be learning Te Reo Maori. Ms Ardern says her Government has been focused on those issues in tandem in the past two years.

RNZ Waitangi reporters and producers give their take on Waitangi 2019.

This is the second year in a row that official Waitangi Day ceremonies have been exclusively held in the Treaty Grounds and the upper Marae. The decision was made to move all official business away from the lower Te Tii Marae as resistance grew from dignitaries about attending due to a number of incidents. Greg McManus is the Chief Executive of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Trust, he joins the programme to talk about this year's efforts.

February 6th is significant to many Kiwis for another reason - the birthday of the undisputed superstar of reggae Bob Marley. His one and only visit 40 years ago had a lasting impact on New Zealand music - still playing out today.

Today on Waitangi Day Hangi Master Rewi Spraggon shares a recipe for kai to mark the day. He also talks about bringing Hangi to Auckland's waterfront with his latest venture, The Maori Kitchen. The restaurant will be laying at least two Hangi per day and using the contents to incorporate into more modern food such as pies and sausages. Rewi's recipe for Toroi can be found here. Today if you'd like to try his food he's at Hoani Waititi Marae with his food truck.

A major review of Maori broadcasting was announced by Maori Development minister Nanaia Mahuta late last year. The first reports are due to be back before her by the beginning of next month. So far there's no sign of who's going to be undertaking the review or what's on the table. The minister indicated when the review was announced it was in order to make sure the sector was fit for purpose and future proof. To discuss what's on the line and what is hoped to be achieved through the review Mihingarangi speaks to a panel of talented broadcasters on the issue. Ebony Duff, general manager Te Whakaruruhau, Annabelle Lee, The Hui producer among many other projects and Nevak Rogers, Maori and Pacific commissioner TVNZ share their thoughts.

All over the country today events are being held to mark 179 years since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. You can find out what's happening near you here. In Porirua, for the second year running, a hugely popular festival is being held on the city's waterfront. Mayor Mike Tana is on the programme to talk about why their Waitangi Day celebrations are such a hit as well as explain what's on today's agenda. An official Powhiri will be held at 11:00am to kick the festivities off.

Denise Garland is a former RNZ reporter and producer, and is a beer writer. For the past year, she has been investigating the misuse of Maori words and images in relation to beer by international businesses. She's currently based in Scotland where she keeps an eagle eye on brewers misappropriating Maori culture to promote their drinks. Denise also explains there is usually a spike in offending material turning up around Waitangi Day as pubs and events around the world pop up to mention the occasion or promote New Zealand beers. This year there have been at least two cases in Australia which have come to her attention. One of them, Freddie Wimpoles in St Kilda has withdrawn their ad.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has his work cut out for him during his time at Waitangi this year. He's met with representatives of Ngapuhi and its hapu to find an alternative to Tuhoronuku. Ngati Hine hapu have told the Treaty Negotiations Minister they want to formally split from the mandate initiated nearly ten years ago. Andrew Little is live at the RNZ tent with Mihingarangi Forbes to talk about the complexities of settling with the largest iwi in the country.

Nelson reporter Tracy Neal has the latest on the fires in the Nelson and Tasman districts. A civil defence emergency has been declared. The fires are still burning out of control after a number of homes have been lost. Hundreds of people have either been ordered to leave their properties or self evacuated. Fire fighters from outside of the region have been brought in to assist local emergency services.

Acclaimed historian Matthew Wright explores the evolution of New Zealand's most historically significant document, the Treaty of Waitangi, from its origins to its place in the present day. His book Waitangi: a Living Treaty goes from the early cultural collisions between Maori and Pakeha that led to this landmark agreement, to the many reinterpretations that have followed. He's researched in-depth the concept that the Treaty is a living document and that its meaning and purpose has evolved with society making it just as relevant today as it ever was in history. Matthew Wright speaks to Mihingarangi Forbes about the mysteries of the original Treaty's translation and why there appears to be two versions of it.

Labour MP Peeni Henare, who is Ngapuhi has played a significant role at this year's official commemorations at Te Whare Runanga. The MP for Tamaki Makaurau has family links to both Northland and politics. He talks about his position outside cabinet in charge of the Whanau Ora portfolio.

Deputy Prime Minister and New Zealand First leader, Winston Peters, has been coming to Waitangi for the sixty years. The past two years have been the first time he's boycotted the lower Te Tii Marae. This year at Waitangi his party also oversaw the laying of a foundation stone for a Maori soldiers museum on the Treaty Grounds. The museum is part of the coalition agreement between New Zealand First and Labour. He speaks to Mihi about the museum and what's been happening at the lower Marae.

This year National Party leader Simon Bridges has been at Waitangi for events leading up to February 6th. He took part in the powhiri for Parliamentarians for at the Upper Marae on February 5th before heading back to his Tauranga electorate to spend Waitangi Day there. While speaking during the Powhiri he spoke about dignity and peace for Waitangi in the future. Mihingarangi Forbes speaks to him about his speak and decision to be at Waitangi in the lead up to the day.

Colin Peacock looks back at Waitangi 2018 and how the media covered a pregnant, younger female, Prime Minister speaking on the porch of the Treaty Grounds Upper. The PM herself acknowledged the event, her leadership and government were enjoying a honeymoon phase.

The Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has acknowledged at Waitangi that there is still a lot of work to do to bridge the gap between Maori and Pakeha. During her speech at the Upper Marae powhiri she spoke about high Maori incarceration rates and child poverty. She is positive however that enough is being done by her government to change that. Jacinda Ardern speaks to Mihingarangi Forbes about her promises and what progress she believes has been made.

Newspaper cartoonists job is to cast a critical eye on what’s going on and sum it up in images that can be understood at a glance at that time. But author Paul Diamond tells Colin Peacock cartoons about Waitangi Day and the Treaty down the years also serve as a snapshot of the past - and recent history too.

This year we have had two of our RNZ reporters covering Waitangi for the first time in their journalism careers. Te Aniwa Hurihanganui and John Boynton are welcomed into the RNZ tent.

Time to look at what is happening around the country to celebrate Waitangi day. Laura Tupou is at Orakei Domain in Auckland and Eric Frykberg is near the Wellington waterfront.

Shannon Haunui Thompson has been in Te Tai Tokerau since Thursday last week and followed the various politicians and events - for the more formal affairs with an increased number of politicians arriving - our deputy political editor Chris Bramwell also arrived to deal with them. They are both in the tent to talk about Waitangi 2018 and how it compares with previous years.

Pita Paraone is the chairman of the Waitangi National Trust board talks about Waitangi 2018.

Aroha Tahere works as the Oranga Tamariki site manager in Kaikohe. She is also working closely with local community trusts to support lower income families. She talks to the programme about the focus of Oranga Tamariki to help whanau to keep themselves and their children safe. She also can talk about the work the organisation does for the children of Northland and how important it is to include iwi in their decision making and involvement of care for tamariki. She also explains the importance of whakapapa for a child's well being and why that is so important in her region.

The Royal New Zealand Navy will be ever present at Waitangi this year performing many ceremonies as well providing entertainment in the form of the Navy Band. There will also be two ships anchored in and around Waitangi. Navy band music director Lieutenant Michael Dowrick talks to the programme about the close ties and traditions between the navy and the Waitangi treaty grounds.

Carwyn Jones, together with two other historians is due to give a public talk on the significance on two of the documents on display for He Tohu. He talks to the programme about He Whakaputanga - The Declaration of Independence signed by rangatira five years before Te Tiriti o Waitangi. He explains how they relate to each other and their ongoing influence today. He will be at the National Library in Wellington on February 15th at 5:30pm with Claudia Orange and Morgan Godfrey talking about the documents. That will be followed by a tour of He Tohu.

Te Tai Tokerau MP and minister Crown/Maori relations has spent a number of days hosting the Prime Minister in his home electorate. He has also been honoured by his iwi for his new role as the minister. He talks to the programme about the surprise event to celebrate him and what he hopes to achieve with the portfolio.

Andrew Little is the minister for Treaty Negotiations and had visited Waitangi last year as he came to grips with the issues facing Nga Puhi's treaty claim. He has also committed to learning Te Reo as as well as progressing the local iwi's claim to fruition. He talks to the programme about his progress with Te Reo and the challenges ahead in his ministerial role.

Activist and environmentalist Reuben Taipari joins the programme to talk about the annual Hiko Te Waitangi and what it signifies. He also talks abut the history of protest and the 40th anniversary this year of two important events, Bastion Point and Raglan Whaingaroa.

Mihingarangi Forbes hosts well known Maori broadcasters and commentators Stacey Morrison, Dale Husband and Julian Wilcox on the future of Te Reo after accusations it was a dying language. They talk about the assertions being made about its future and what lies in store for the language.

The treaty grounds at Waitangi have been digitally mapped by a renown US not for profit tech company which specialises in preserving sites of significance around the world. A team from San Francisco Bay base CyArk have been at Waitangi this summer to map the site. It will then become part of an online 3D library to enable future generations to experience the heritage site. Treaty Grounds CEO Greg McManus talks to the programme about the way the team worked and what it means to be able to digitally store a 3D record of the grounds.

RNZ's correspondent for the Northland region, Lois Williams, will be at Waitangi covering the news and stories of the people there for the 29th year in a row. Her first outing to Waitangi to cover the event was in 1989. She talks to the programme about what she has experienced during that time and what has changed the most.

Today you can join one of the 30 minute family friendly free guided experiences in Te Reo Maori or English to explore He Tohu, the multi-award winning exhibition which features all nine original signed sheets and interactive displays. The guided experience offers insight into stories behind some of the 540 rangatira who signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the thoughts of New Zealanders on the significance of Te Tiriti today. The actual treaty is also on display for the first time on Waitangi Day in it's new home at the National Library in Wellington. To tell us more about the exhibition and what people can discover curator Stephanie Lash talks to the programme.

Shane Jones is now returning to Waitangi for the first time as a New Zealand First MP and minister for regional economic development. He talks to the programme about what he has planned to help regions, such as Northland, turn around their economic fortunes.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has been going to Waitangi to mark the treaty signing for the past six decades. Last year was the first time he decided against going to Te Tii marae following a ban on media covering events. He speaks to the programme about this year's event and what he makes of the changes to proceedings.

The National Party's finance spokesman Steven Joyce had a colourful visit to Waitangi last year. During a stand up media session a protestor threw a sex toy at him. This year he's been taking part in ceremonies and events heat Waitangi with fewer flying objects. He led the National party delegation on to the treaty grounds and spoke at the powhiri on behalf of the party. He talks to the programme about his time at the treaty grounds this year.

Shannon Haunui-Thompson has been following events in and around Waitangi since Thursday. She joins the programme to discuss the changes this year and how it compares with previous years when there has been a prime ministerial delegation on site.

Leader of the National party Bill English is at Te Rau Aroha marae in Bluff to celebrate Waitangi Day. He speaks to Mihingarangi Forbes about his decision to not got to Waitangi for commemorations and what it might take to lure him back to the site for future events.

For the first time in three years a Prime Minister is back at Waitangi to commemorate the signing of the treaty. We speak to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern about her time in the Te Tai Tokerau electorate and what she has made of the events and activities at the treaty grounds.

Hinewehi Mohi (Ngati Kahungunu, Ngai Tuhoe) sparked controversy when she sung just the Maori version of 'God Defend New Zealand' at a World Cup rugby match in 1999. Hinewehi writes waiata and sings only in Maori and is a strong supporter of Maori musicians and the industry in Aotearoa. Following the birth of her daughter with cerebral palsy, she established the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre.

Ollie Wards is a Kiwi who works in Australia as a content director at Triple J - the cutting edge music station at the ABC which every year counts down the 'Hottest 100' songs on Australia Day, January 26. This year Ollie found himself in the middle of a heated debate amid calls for the countdown to be shifted to a new date, away from what indigenous Australians refer to as Invasion Day - a day of mourning, rather than celebration. http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/

Andrew Judd is the former mayor of New Plymouth who describes himself as a 'recovering racist' after experiencing a severe backlash to his proposals for Maori rights on the district council. He was spat at and abused in the street over his failed attempt to introduce a Maori ward in New Plymouth - but the experience made him examine his own attitudes towards Maori, and spurred him on to fight prejudice.

In November last year, more than 7,000 school children in Wairarapa took part in a record-breaking haka, 'Ko Wairarapa', written 30 years ago by Paora Ammunson (Te Arawa, Rangitane and Ngati Kahungunu) when he returned to his turangawaewae. Paora is a South Wairarapa District Councillor, he helped set up Wairarapa's first PHO, chairs the Wairarapa Rugby Union, and is involved in community sport and development.

Radio New Zealand Te Manu Korihi journalist Aaron Smale (Ngati Porou) covered the Waitangi Tribunal hearing into the Corrections Claim and late last year revealed the extent of the historic abuse of Maori boys in state welfare homes. Aaron draws links between these homes, gangs, drugs, imprisonment, and reoffending.

Roimata Smail (Ngati Maniapoto, Tainui, Ngati Kotimana me Ngati Ingarangi) is a director of law firm Braithwaite & Smail. She is representing former probation officer Tom Hemopo in his claim to the Waitangi Tribunal alleging Crown failures to reduce the number of Maori in prison and high reoffending rates. Gilbert Taurua (Ngapuhi, Ngati Kawa/Te Ati Haunui a Paparangi, Ngati Pamoana) works for the NZ Drug Foundation, promoting better drug laws for Maori. The foundation is supporting Tom Hemopo's action, known as the Corrections Claim. http://www.braithwaitesmail.co.nz/ https://www.drugfoundation.org.nz/matters-of-substance/august-2016/qa-gilbert-taurua

Heather Te Au-Skipworth (Ngati Kahu, Ngati Kahungunu, Te Arawa) was inspired to start Iron Maori in 2009 after completing an Iron Man competition. Now whanau around the country train to compete in Iron Maori events, where the emphasis is on participation and encouraging one another to go the distance. http://ironmaori.com/

Mihingarangi and Colin are joined by the editor of Mana magazine, Leonie Hayden, (Ngati Whatua o Kaipara te iwi, Ngati Rango te hapu) and long-serving television executive and producer, Keith Slater and RNZ Te Manu Korihi Editor Shannon Haunui-Thompson (Ngapuhi) to discuss how media presents - and misrepresents - Waitangi Day.

Dr Hirini Kaa (Ngati Porou, Ngati Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata) is lecturer in History and Religious Studies at Auckland University. He disputes the 'cringe factor' associated with Waitangi day and says now we have carved out an opportunity each Waitangi Day to reflect on who we are as a nation - and as a process it hasn't always been pretty, but it has been profound.

The Prime Minister, Bill English is about to arrive at the Waitangi service he's chosen to attend - Ngati Whatua's celebration at Orakei Marae in Auckland.

It's just over a year since a new museum on the Waitangi treaty grounds opened its doors and since then about 122 thousand people have visited.

The broadcaster and former Alliance MP, Willie Jackson is planning a political comeback. He's announced he'll stand on the list for the Labour Party

The Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox is at Orakei Marae in Auckland where the Prime Minister, Bill English, is due to arrive shortly.

Back to Waitangi now where the deputy Prime Minister, Paula Bennett, has represented the government at the dawn service on the treaty grounds.

One of the most stirring sights of Waitangi Day is the great fleet of waka that gathers each year at Te Tii.

This year a number of the waka that gathered at Waitangi were crewed by women. While women don't crew waka taua or war canoes - they've traditionally paddled waka tete, or fishing canoes.

The scourge of methamphetamine use through out the country and in particularly the far north is the focus on this year's annual hikoi to Waitangi.

Te Tii Marae trustees have been criticised for how they've handled commemorations at the marae this year.

Jane Patterson joins us live from Waitangi.

The future of Te Tii Marae playing host to politicans the day before Waitangi is under question, with political leaders challenging the way marae organisers have handled the event.

As you heard, as we came into the programme, Waitangi Day commemorations are already well underway at the Treaty Grounds in Waitangi.

While many of us look to the past on Waitangi Day, some are looking to the future too. James Frankham is the editor of New Zealand Geographic, a magazine that looks not just at flora and fauna, but what's really happening in our environment and society. He talks to Waitangi Monday about five big issues that affect all New Zealanders.

Duncan Brooker spent years scouring west Africa for long lost funk music from the 1960's and 70's. He's been described by The Guardian as "the man who saved African Funk". He shares his tales of finding musicians and master tapes in markets and chicken sheds and chooses some of his favourites.

Lutz Pfannenstiel has played for more football clubs in more countries - including New Zealand - than any other professional player. He was nearly killed on the pitch in England, jailed for match-fixing in Singapore - and busted for pinching a penguin from the Otago Peninsula. Now he works for a top German club and campaigns for sustainability. Perhaps he should have stayed home in Germany?

The football legends reflects on his life on and off the pitch and making the most of today.

Olivia Carville was working at The Press newspaper in Christchurch on February 22nd 2011 and she had to confront the full horror of the earthquake the day, Later she left to work as an investigative reporter in Canada, where a scoop on the sex trafficking trade is still making waves. She's now back to work at The New Zealand Herald, and reflecting on the upcoming fifth anniversary of the the big quake.  

Huffington Post writer Carolyn Gregoire and psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman wanted to delve into this rapidly growing area of psychological research in their new book "Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind". Is creativity something we all possess and if so how do we embrace it? Do we become more creative after we've come face to face with adversity?

Naomi Arnold is the journalist behind featured.org.nz, a website that collates all the best long read features in journalism from New Zealand and around the world.

Olivia Suleimon & Ebony Boadu are two young vloggers from Izmzmag, an online video magazine which delves into different sectors of society and people's individual beliefs. Two weeks ago they went to Red Fern and Cronulla and asked the question "What does Australia day mean to you?"

NZ On Screen's Irene Gardiner with a Waitangi Day selection of clips.

Not to Take Sides by Sneaky Feelings is chosen by Brent Hansen.

Broadcaster Tainui Stephens introduces some local reggae acts which feature in the new TV series 'My Reggae Song'.

Comedian Jon Bridges chooses a comedy clip.

LA-based music producer Mark de Clive-Lowe.

Guy Montgomery and Tim Batt explain why they've watched 'Grown Ups 2' 50 fifty times.

Berlin Artist in Residence Greg Semu.

Writer Sam Pease talks about her international travels with son Jet.

April Sun in Cuba is chosen by publisher Finlay MacDonald.

With Mana Magazine's Aaron Smale.

Long Ago by Herbs is chosen by newsreader and Musician Greg Boyed.

Te Papa curator Puawai Cairns has been researching the stories of Māori men at Gallipoli. She discusses their reasons for volunteering, what happened to them and reuniting families with the stories of their tīpuna tāne.

Bathe in The River by Hollie Smith is chosen by Labour MP Jacinda Adern.

Mani Dunlop live from Waitangi.

With Professor Gary Hawke.

Dr Don Brash, Dr Ella Henry, James Dunne and Professor Damon Selesa.

Ireland is an island nation of roughly four million, colonised by the British just like us. Do they embrace the same sports? Contest them with the same intensity? Agonise about defeat as deeply? And what does all that reveal about our respective national characters?

James Frankham is the editor of New Zealand Geographic, which is marking 25 years of publication with a series of major feature articles during 2014 on the big issues facing New Zealand's land and people.

Paul Diamond (Ngati Haua, Te Rarawa, and Ngapuhi) is a writer, journalist, historian and broadcaster, who currently holds the position of curator, Maori, at the Turnbull Library. He has been looking at Maori depiction in cartoons as a window into race relations in New Zealand.

Riki Ellison (Taranaki, Ngai Tahu and Ngati Porou) left Christchurch as an eight-year-old to live in the US. He's the only New Zealander to be part of a winning Super Bowl team; he won three times with the San Francisco 49ers. Today he is the founder and chairman of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance - a non-profit organisation advocating for hi-tech missile defence systems which he says will protect the national security of the US and its allies.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia (Ngati Apa, Nga Rauru, Tuwharetoa, Whanganui) talks about whanau poverty and the nature of inequality faced by Maori, the thinking behind Whanau Ora - and how we will know if it succeeds, and what she hopes to achieve for Maori before she quits parliament at this year's general election.

Manuka Henare (Ngapuhi, Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa, Ngati Kuri) discusses the 1835 Ngapuhi-led Declaration of Independence (He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni) - a declaration of sovereignty that underpins Ngapuhi's ongoing claim before the Waitangi Tribunal. Ngapuhi stand firm on the argument that the Treaty of Waitangi did not revoke the declaration, but confirmed it. Manuka Henare is an expert witness before the Waitangi Tribunal Hearing Wai 1040 Paparahi o te Raki (Ngapuhi-Northland Enquiry), and an Associate Professor of Maori Business Development at the University of Auckland Business School.

Poet Sam Hunt on his forthcoming book 'Salt River Songs'.

Tony Simpson is a writer and historian who has published numerous books, pamphlets and articles on New Zealand history, including 'A Distant Feast' which charts the history of Kiwi cuisine.

Susan Brettingen lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is a long-term fan of New Zealand music.

Dr Kristyn Harman is a lecturer in Aboriginal Studies at the University of Tasmania and her book 'Aboriginal Convicts: Australian, Khoisan, and Maori Exiles' (New South Books) tells the story of political prisoner Hohepa Te Umuroa.

Waitangi Day will be marked in Okains Bay on Banks Peninsula. Okains Bay resident Murray Thacker briefs us on the celebrations.

Dame Anne Salmond DBE, CBE, FANAS, FRSNZ, FBA, FNZAH, PhD (Penn) is a Distinguished Professor of Maori Studies and Anthropology at the University of Auckland. She is involved with the Longbush Ecosanctuary in Gisborne and has recently been nominated as a New Zealander of the Year.

Kim Hill and Paul Diamond get an update from Derina Turner, and talk to engineer Michael Lawley, Taranaki Welsh group co-ordinator June Moseley, and Taranaki businesswoman Colleen Tuuta (from Waitangi).

Kim Hill and Paul Diamond talk to community worker Glen Bennett, Dutch couple Johannes & Willy-Louisa Krook, and surfer Wayne 'Arch' Arthur.

Kim Hill and Paul Diamond talk to Tokatumoana Kevin Walden from PKW, Derina Turner about building a solar oven, and Rachel Stewart on falconry.

Extended version of the Waitangi Day Korerorero with Paul Diamond and Kim Hill, and guests Keri Opai (te reo Maori teacher), Kura Denness (director of Te Atiawa Holdings and other organisations), and Margaret Smith (Treaty educator). The discussion also includes questions and contributions from audience members at Puke Ariki in New Plymouth.

Sean McKenna visits the Pacifica 09 Festival which celebrates Pacific Island communities in New Zealand.

Geoff Andrew speaks about how kiwis in the Big Apple will spend Waitangi Day.

Poet and singer Hinemoana Baker speaks about her views on Waitangi Day and reads some of her latest poetry.

Al Pitcher is a stand-up comic who lives in Sweden and speaks about Waitangi Day and his UK tour.

Simon Acarapi is a Bolivian living in Hamilton who discusses the Latin American community there and plans for Waitangi Day.

A panel of three different visitors at Waitangi 2009 speak about their feelings on the day.

Christchurch Maori and folk fusion group Emeralds and Greenstone pop into the studio for a special Waitangi Day music session.

Doctor Aroha Harris of Auckland University discusses the meaning of Waitangi Day as a national day.

Brent Edwards discusses Waitangi Day from a political perspective.

Professor Morse of the University of Ottawa speaks about Canada and the government's relationship with indigenous people.

Eru Rerekura discusses events at Waitangi 2009 from a Maori perspective.

Anna Groot of KEA and Tama Kirikiri, Chairperson of Ngati Ranana speak about their celebrations in Shoreditch, East London.

Lt Col Patrick Butterworth of the NZDF based in Sinai, Egypt speaks about their plans for Waitangi Day.

Retired Professor of Linguistics at the University of Canterbury discusses the origins of the New Zealand accent.

Lois Williams gives her introductory report from the Treaty Grounds.