For several years, I have made the pilgrimage to Waitangi in the first week of February to commemorate and celebrate the birthplace of our nation. I have gone to listen to the kōrero, understand the nawe and reflect on how far we have come in honouring the promises made in Te Tiriti.

There are certain moments in our lives that will stay with us forever. This year, I visited Māngungu Mission Station, which is nestled in a settlement called Horeke in the upper reaches of the magnificient Hokianga Harbour. Just a week after Te Tiriti was signed at Waitangi, 70 rangatira signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Māngungu. As I stood in the very spot where up to 3000 Māori gathered to discuss and debate the agreement with the British Crown, I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

As Minister for Māori Development, Minister for Whānau Ora and Associate Minister for Economic Development, I intend to do everything I can to ensure that the Crown upholds its Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities to protect the rangatiratanga of hapū and iwi, as well as ensuring Māori are treated as equal citizens.

Since becoming a Minister five months ago, I have met with communities around the motu to get a better understanding of local issues. The hui have helped shape and confirm my proposed Māori Development work priorities for the next three years.

The work priorities for Māori Development are inter-linked with my work priorities for Whānau Ora and Economic Development. I see the three portfolios as being part of a continum with whānau at the very heart of everything we do. Whānau are critical agents of change. I will talk more about these priorities in following issues of Kōkiritia.

I hope you, your whānau and communities enjoyed the 175th anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We all have a role to play in ensuring that Te Tiriti is honoured.

Nāku noa, na Te Ururoa Flavell