Main points:

• support bicultural nation
• make learning of some maori compulsory in schools, especially the meaning of place names in the country
  

The treaty cannot be taken literally because of:

• Natural language changes in both Maori and English since then.
• The presence of two treaties, one in Maori and one in English and the difficulties in creating a true translation between them.
• The unwritten elements of the agreement stemming from the simpler presentation of legal language at the time and the fact that much of the practical application of the agreement was determined by the context of the situation at the time.
• Events that have taken place since 1840.

However the spirit of the treaty should continue to be maintained, which is what has been happening. It is clear that the colonists probably benefitted more from the treaty than the Maori which is why Maori grievances are being redressed. At some stage, however, these grievances have to be met and NZ has to move on. In the meantime both Maori and Europeans have a process to work through in order to resolve differences and to forcibly cut that process short could be an invitation for social conflict

Biculturalism should remain established within NZ society in order to honour the spirit of the Treaty, live with present social realities, and recognise Maori separatist ambitions.

Maori distinguish themselves by having settled here long before any other ethnic group and by making up the largest single group apart from European. By being open to biculturalism we equip ourselves to better deal with other ethnic groups that make up our multi-cultural society.

Often the term ‘multi-cultural’ is used as a means of ignoring cultural differences and assuming pre-eminence of the predominant mainstream culture. Biculturalism on the other hand makes people more aware of cultural differences, especially of language, and opens them up to being able to accept all different ethnic groups more. A small amount of Te Reo Maori should be compulsory in schools. Learning some Te Reo would lead to understanding of the following:

• The meanings behind the hundreds of Maori place names which we live with and use every day.
• Marae protocol, so that people will feel more comfortable visiting marae, greeting the people there and understanding why maraes exist.
• Maori myths that reveal something of the nature of Maori spirituality and awareness of other ways of dealing with what life throws up.

Maori is a living language because Maori want it to be and it is a major part of their identity. The best way to appease for the wrongdoings of the past is for society to embrace Maori culture as part of Kiwi culture. Then we can then move forward with a fusion of the best that both European and Maori have to offer.

Like many ethnic minorities around the world, the Maori have made a legitimate claim for separate sovereignity, which was recognised initially with the establishment of Maori seats in parliament, and more recently, with Maori government departments and television service, and bilingualism in government and schools. This process should be enabled to happen in a manner that represents a balance between separatist Maori interests and overall interests of the country as a whole (including Maori).