A new date has been set for the Treaty of Waitangi discussion in Tauranga.

“Due to the tangihanga for the late Kīngi Tūheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, the date for a discussion of The Treaty of Waitangi is postponed in Tauranga until 7pm Wednesday, September 18,” says Dr Alistair Reece.

A prominent Bay of Plenty theologian and historian, Dr Reese was previously set to lead the discussion and a book launch at Tauranga’s Holy Trinity on Wednesday, September 4.

“Because of the events surrounding the tangihanga after Kīngi Tūheitia’s sudden death, it has been necessary to postpone the event,” says Dr Reese.

He Tatau Pounamu, The Treaty of Waitangi, a Covenant of Reconciliation is a public discussion about Te Tiriti at a time when the agreement by which tangata whenua and tangata tiriti is being called into question, says Dr Reese.

“We are at a decisive moment as a nation.”

“How can we renew and deepen our understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi? What does it mean to say that the Treaty is a sacred compact, a covenant? And what has been the role of the Church in relation to the Treaty? What might this require now?”

Dr Reese says he will help the audience to understand how the Treaty is he tatau pounamu — a covenant pathway of reconciliation.

He has already held the discussions in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Christchurch throughout May, with a Hamilton discussion also postponed.

“I will consider the history and context of this foundational document, including the role of the Church in its shape and interpretation. We will weigh how best to respond, how best to honour the Treaty now,” says Dr Reese.

He has also written a book on the topic, titled ‘He Tatau Pounamu’.

“There has been much written and discussed on Te Tiriti/the Treaty of Waitangi, but I would recommend readers to read Alistair Reese’s book which expands on his thinking on Te Tiriti as Covenant and his expression of this at Waitangi Dawn Service 6 February, 2024,” says prominent historian Claudia Orange.

The event is being held in partnership by Karuwhā Trust and the Venn Foundation.

Karuwhā Trust is a charity that engages people in a conversation about identity and history through journeys to significant sites and stories.

The Venn Foundation is a New Zealand Christian organisation encouraging people to think deeply about Christian values to help shape Aotearoa.

The Tauranga event is at Holy Trinity, Devonport Rd in Tauranga on Wednesday September 18, from 7pm to 9pm. 

Register here: https://www.venn.org.nz/events-courses/he-tatau-pounamu-tauranga/