Every high school in New Zealand will receive a copy of Understanding Te Tiriti, a book explaining the Treaty of Waitangi, thanks to a generous donation by an Auckland couple.
The Pākehā pair, who wish to remain anonymous, bought over 600 copies to help students learn about New Zealand’s founding document. The book aims to provide a clear and factual guide to the Treaty and its significance.
The couple was inspired after hearing the book’s author, Roimata Smail, speak at The Women’s Bookshop earlier this year. Bookshop owner Carol Beu shared that the pair initially bought a few copies but soon returned, determined to gift the book to every high school in the country. Smail said she was surprised and thrilled by the gesture, which she described as “incredible.”
The first school to receive copies, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori O Te Raki Paewhenua in Auckland, reported that students were already finding the book valuable. One student noted the differences between the Māori and English versions of the Treaty, highlighting how these differences affect understanding of sovereignty and land rights.
This donation comes at a time when the Treaty of Waitangi is frequently in the news. Beu believes the book’s distribution is timely, helping young people and the wider public understand Treaty issues without political bias. Smail added that the book helps readers grasp the facts behind discussions often heard in the media and Parliament.
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