Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

We acknowledge that Te Tiriti must be the foundation for our relationships with Māori in the way we provide services, operate and govern.[1],[2] This approach is central to achieving our mission and our strategic vision of whakamanahia - equity, access, choice.

As described by the Human Rights Commission, Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa understands that the three primary articles of Te Tiriti set out the following:[3]

• “the rights and responsibilities of the Crown to govern
  (Article 1 –kāwanatanga/governance)

the collective rights and responsibilities of Māori, as Indigenous people, to live as Māori and to protect and develop their taonga

• (Article 2 – rangatiratanga/ self-determination)

the rights and responsibilities of equality and common citizenship for all New Zealanders

• (Article 3 – rite tahi/ equality)”

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa is dedicated to working with and alongside Māori to protect and nurture Māori taonga – including health, reproduction, culture and language – and to support Māori rangatiratanga through effective, beneficial partnerships. We have committed to ensuring services are prioritised for rangatahi Māori through consultation and ongoing engagement with communities and stakeholders.

We are motived to do this work by our organisational mission and values. As an organisation funded by government, we also have a responsibility to oversee that this happens through governance and management of our organisation which is informed by Te Tiriti. Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa has dedicated Māori and rangatahi Māori seats on our governing council, illustrating commitment to Article 2. Our organisational strategy is based on Te Tiriti principles, illustrating alignment with Article 3.

All non- Māori New Zealanders, from all ethnic groups, are included as Te Tiriti partners with Māori and, as such, all New Zealanders have a role upholding the rights and privileges of Māori as tangata whenua of Aotearoa. 

To realise the promises of Te Tiriti, our relationship with Māori will continue to evolve. As an organisation we are committed to self-reflection, and how we can improve our understanding and commitment to Te Tiriti. This approach and commitment enriches our organisation.

Being Aotearoa’s leading provider and courageous advocate for sexual and reproductive wellbeing and rights, includes being a courageous advocate and ally for the rights of Māori as the Indigenous Peoples of New Zealand.

Incorporating Te Tiriti practically into our everyday work includes:

• Improving our understanding of Te Tiriti and what it means to all New Zealanders, and Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
• Applying a Te Tiriti equity lens on all initiatives and projects
• Promoting te reo Māori and using it when speaking and writing
• Normalising tikanga Māori at work
• Identifying new ways to partner with Māori individuals and organisations within our individual roles
• Identifying and speaking out about health inequity for Māori, including racist or discriminatory behaviour
• Ongoing self-reflection about practice and work performance in the context of realising equity for Māori
   

[1] Health and Disability System Review (2020) Health and Disability System Review – Final Report – Pūrongo Whakamutunga. Wellington: HDSR.

[2] Waitangi Tribunal / Te Rōpū Whakamana i te Tiriti o Waitangi (2019) Hauora: Report on Stage One of the Health Services and Outcomes Kaupapa Inquiry (prepublication version – Wai 2575). Wellington: Waitangi Tribunal

[3] Taken from the Human Rights Commission (2010) Human Rights in New Zealand 2010. Pg 39. Retrieved from, here.