The New Zealand Government has been responsible for all immigration matters from 1852 until today. It recognises that the Treaty is a 'living' agreement which must grow and develop with time. Therefore, it has formed 'principles' to aid and help in furthering the understanding of the Treaty. This means that when the Government deals with
Maori, they must act with regard to the following principles: the principle of government (the Government has the right to govern and to make laws); the principle of self-management (
iwi Maori have the right to organise themselves, and, under the law to control the resources they own); the principle of equality (all New Zealanders are equal under the law); the principle of reasonable co-operation (the Crown must act reasonably and in good faith towards its Treaty partner); the principle of redress (the Crown is responsible for providing effective processes for the resolution of grievances in the expectation that reconciliation can occur).
Maori political demonstration has kept the Treaty debate alive. Although it has been a struggle for the political demonstrators, and the following generation, we are now beginning to see the rewards within mainstream society. And even though the gap between
Maori and the Government in relation to the Treaty continues, it is through the valid efforts of many people that the dialogue has truly begun.
