Mā te kimi ka kite Mā te kite ka mōhio Mā te mōhio ka marama

 Te Tiriti o Waitangi - The Principle of the Treaty of Waitangi
Tiriti o Waitangi (1840) is a crucial document which defines the relationship between Māori and the Crown in New Zealand. It affirms both the tangata whenua status of whānau, hapū and iwi in New Zealand and their rights of citizenship. The Tiriti therefore provides a basis through which Māori may critically analyse relationships, challenge the status-quo, and affirm the Māori rights. 

 Several faiths (beliefs) of England, of the Wesleyans, of Rome, and also Mäori custom shall alike be protected.” This is sometimes referred to as Article Four of the Treaty, and relates to the right to freedom of religion and belief (wairuatanga).

Manaakitanga is a powerful way of expressing how Māori communities care about each other’s wellbeing, nurture relationships, and engage with one another. Manaakitanga also extends to the whenua that needs care in order to ensure sustainability for future generations.

The value of Manaakitanga is often expressed through the responsibility to provide hospitality and protection. Manaakitanga derives from two words - ‘mana’ and ‘aki’. Mana is a condition that holds everything in the highest regard. Aki means to uphold or support. Extending Manaakitanga requires respect, humility, kindness and honesty.

https://www.imsb.maori.nz/about-us/introduction/

 “It is the duty of a Muslim who has anything to bequeath not to let two nights pass without writing a will about it.”  (Bukhari) 

It is recommended that Reverts discuss Muslim Tangihanga, or funeral rights with their non-Muslim whānau to avoid disputes, and grievances.

An Islamic will is a legally-binding document that stipulates to whom a person will be leaving their assets (property, possessions, money) to upon their return to Allah (SWT). This is a bequest.

This will take into account two groups of people:

• Ascendants: Including your spouse (husband/wife) and parents
• Descendants: Your children, grandchildren and siblings (full siblings and half-siblings)

A will can also include bequests for charitable purposes.

The term itself is rooted in a Māori worldview, and there is no one English term that fully encapsulates its meaning.  

It can mean self-determination, sovereignty, independence, autonomy. 

Rangatiratanga is often associated with sovereignty, leadership, autonomy to make decisions, and self-determination. 

 Why is rangatiratanga important?

Rangatiratanga was used in Article 2 of the Māori language version of the Treaty to convey the idea of unqualified exercise of Māori chieftainship over their lands, villages and all their treasures. 

 Rangatiratanga is often associated with sovereignty, leadership, autonomy to make decisions, and self-determination. This includes leadership within the whānau and community, as well as leadership within business and politics. 

What is the United Nations Indiginous Peoples Declaration on the Rights of Indiginous Peoples?

The Declaration couches the right of self-determination as a fundamental human right for Indigenous peoples. ... By virtue of that right they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/declaration-on-the-rights-of-indigenous-peoples.html
 

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that all able Muslims are expected to complete at least once in their lives. 

Around two million Muslims every year complete the pilgrimage, which is a five-day event taking place in the last month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar.

Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a sacred event in Islam. 

Muslims must always remain calm in Ihram due to the state’s religious significance, even when exhausted by the journey they undertake.

‘The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights the new moon of the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and wants for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.’
 

Quran 2:185

So, what is Eid? 

When directly translated, the Eid meaning is “the festival of breaking the fast” and commemorates the end of a month-long fast throughout Ramadan for Muslims in Aotearoa, New Zealand and around the world. The festival is a very important time in Islam and allows families, loved ones and communities to come together and celebrate following a month of abstinence and dedication to Allah (SWT).

This is important because it marks the end of Ramadan, the month in which the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Throughout Ramadan, Muslims around the world undertake a fast between the hours of sunset and sunrise and spend a lot of time in self-reflection while studying the Qur’an and connecting with Allah (SWT) on a spiritual level. 

After a full month of sacrifice and dedication, Eid ul-Fitr is a time to come together with family and loved ones to enjoy everyday blessings.