Kingitanga symposium on constitutional review

I find it almost a misnomer to promulgate a New Zealand Republic whilst at the same time hold onto the concept of a consitutional monarchical arrangement within New Zealand indigenous polity. The Kingitanga movement for all intents and purposes is indeed a monarchical construct created during the nineteenth century in response to overwhelming imperial tutelage and lack of forebearance towards the indigenous polity and also the lack of cheiftain cohesiveness amongst the tangata whenua. The impetus for this Kingitanga movement was indeed under the behest of the Tainui people which has become generally accepted by most Maori today.

The misunderstanding therefore is the constitutional confusion of a transition towards a New Zealand Republic with a constitutional dilemma of the status of the Maori royalty. Should a Republic of New Zealand be considered acceptable to the indigenous people of New Zealand, and if so who would they insert their own indigenous monarchical arrrangements within a future New Zealand Republic? Conversely, should the indigenous people promulgate instead an indigenous constitutional monarchy by installing their own indigenous monarch instead?

Such a constitutional moot may engage the New Zealand people in a tirade of debate for and against the Kingitanga movement. The burden of an inception of an indigenous constitutional monarchy in place of the current imperial constituional monarchical arrangements as per Te Tiriti O Waitangi, will create a further barrier to the path towards self determination and the aim for a New Zealand Republic.

On the one hand, it is preferred by both the Maori and Pakeha of New Zealand for a graual transition to self determination and outright independence from imperial tutelage whilst the moot is whether it is in the best interest of New Zealand if it were to become a republic instead of becoming in indigenous constitutional monarchy? If it is for the latter, then the Kingitanga movement will augur well in the minimalist transition from an imperial constitutional monarchical arangement to an indigenous one. The only problem certainly is the Maori tribes which are excluded from the Kingitanga heraldry. The problematic situation of a lack of unity amongst all Maori tribes will mean a fragmented and drawn out process of selection, consultation and agreement a long way down the track.

The end justifies the means in which in all probability the Kingitanga movement may be considered not as a conduit towards self determination for New Zealand but rather an obstruction for the aforementioned reason.
 
Instead, in order to smooth ot these potential creases to the process of self determination and independence of New Zealand the cohesiveness of the Maori voice must be paramount undermining the partiality of the Kingitanga movement and the affected tribes. Instead, the path towards a Republic will offset the potential divisiveness of the Kingitanga movement amongst not only the Republican Pakeha but also the excluded Maori tribes from the in crowd by the affected Kingatanga tribal bretherens.


Tim Tufuga
Brisbane
Qld Councillor Aust. Republican Movement

The Kingitanga was formulated prior to both your arrival in Aotearoa pre 1900's.  The Kingitanga do not represent a monarch! you said that.  Although there are similarities re: leadership however the Kingitanga is a different foundation to your concept of the monarch.  You chose to place them under the same umbrella, therefore you have the right of opinion to judge as you please.  I can understand your opinion because it is within your best interest as patriarchs of the monarch. The culture within the Kingitanga and many iwi are the people of the land, tangatawhenua, also known as the natives.  Out of due respect to all, a joint constitution is a reflection of New Zealand.  Not all kiwis want to be known as the "ALL WHITES" many prefer to be associated to the "ALL BLACKS" including the monarch.  Get it, I thought you would want to be associated to something that would benefit your individual needs.  Remember it is a we, not an I.

LJ Holden