From 'terrorist' to national treasure, renowned Māori activist finally tells his own story
The story of Tāme Iti, New Zealand's most recognizable Māori rights activist, is a powerful narrative of resilience and cultural pride. Once branded a terrorist by the state, he is now celebrated as a national treasure. His journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Māori people and their fight for recognition and justice.
Iti's formative years were marked by a deep connection to his culture and a determination to protect it. Growing up in the shadow of the Te Urewera ranges, he was made to write the lines 'I will not speak Māori' as punishment for speaking his native language. This incident became a pivotal moment in his life, shaping his art and activism. Iti's unique style of protest, including pitching a tent outside Parliament and declaring it the 'Māori embassy', made headlines and captured the attention of the nation.
His involvement in the 1975 Māori Land March was a significant turning point. This march, which he helped organize, contributed to the establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal, a landmark institution dedicated to investigating breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Treaty, signed in 1840 between Māori tribes and the British Crown, is a cornerstone of New Zealand's history.
In 2007, Iti's life took a dramatic turn during the Te Urewera raids. Police, under the mistaken belief that he was building a terrorist network, raided the Tūhoe people. This incident led to a public apology from the police, highlighting the complexities of the Māori-police relationship.
Iti's commitment to Māori rights and expression has been a driving force throughout his life. Born in 1952 on a moving train, he has been 'on the move ever since.' Raised as a 'whāngai' child in Ruatoki, an economically poor but culturally rich area, he was exposed to the history of his iwi (tribe) and the struggles of his people. This early exposure to settler violence and land confiscation fueled his determination to fight for justice.
As a young adult, Iti joined the Ngā Tamatoa, a Māori youth activist group dedicated to promoting Māori rights, combating racism, and challenging government policies. His actions, such as establishing the 'Māori embassy' on Parliament's lawns, were symbolic and theatrical, often causing controversy among older generations. Iti's father, like many in his generation, was traumatized by the focus on 'how to be a Pākehā.'
However, the movement gained momentum, and Iti's influence grew. He led the Māori renaissance for land restoration and rights, while also being part of the revolution for modern art and the reclamation of traditional art forms like tā moko. His politics are rooted in a deep care for humanity, and he has become a giant in the world of Māori activism.
The final chapter of Iti's story is marked by the historic 2024 hīkoi, the largest protest march for Māori rights, and the 2024 Waitangi Day event, where record crowds gathered to confront the government. The coalition government's policies to end 'race-based policies' and roll back Māori-focused programs have sparked controversy. During these events, protesters wore T-shirts with the iconic phrase 'I will not speak Māori,' a powerful reminder of Iti's early struggles.
Iti's memoir, 'Mana,' is a personal and historical account of his journey. It is a rallying cry for the protection of Indigenous rights and a reflection of the Māori cultural and political renaissance. Through his words and actions, Iti continues to inspire and shape the future of Māori activism in New Zealand.
