Dr Te Moana Nui a Kiwa (Moana) Jackson.

By Dr Miriama Postlethwaite (Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi)

Moana Jackson of Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Porou descent, was not only a companion of the Royal Society of Aotearoa New Zealand, a lawyer specialising in constitutional law, Tiriti o Waitangi and international indigenous issues, he was a superlative storyteller.

In a quietly spoken but convincing manner, he would persuade people on his views of colonisation, the Treaty, and other topics. Such prowess is ascribed to Hiwa-i-te-rangi, one of the stars of the cluster of Matariki. This star is associated with granting wishes and aspirations for the coming year.

For Moana kua whetūrangitia ki Pōhutukawa who has joined the cluster of stars, I’m sure he would wish our union Te Hautū Kahurangi prosperity as a Tiriti-led union. He said, there would naturally need to be considerable discussion and education within the union about such wide-ranging constitutional change – every step in the Tiriti journey requires dialogue. It is not a relationship if that does not occur. We did that.

He mihi Moana, thank you, as you reminded us, it’s not a partnership but a relationship. We did on that day raise our hands and voices in unison as Tangata Māori and Tangata Tiriti for a Tiriti-led union and bring to bear what the Treaty of Waitangi really meant.

As a star shining bright you gifted us with an aspiration, we have adapted, we have changed, and will never let go towards what is just.