The State of Maori Rights brings together a set of articles written between 1994 and 2009. It places on record the Maori view of events and issues that took place over these years, issues that have been more typically reported to the general public from a 'mainstream' media perspective. It is an important documentation of these fifteen years of New Zealand history, recording the assertion of Maori rights as the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand, focusing on Maori issues and experiences and written from a Maori perspective. The reviews demonstrate the ongoing settling of grievances against the Crown for breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, the solutions Maori have advocated and the benefits to the country when Maori advice on these matters is followed. Key issues include: the 1994 'fiscal envelope'; the 50,000-strong protest march against foreshore and seabed; Pakeha media attacks on Maori MPs and Maori initiatives. Maori success stories are also acknowledged such as Michael Campbell, Robert Hewitt, Willie Apiata and films such as Whale Rider.

Author Biography

Margaret Mutu (Ngati Kahu, Te Rarawa, Ngati Whatua) is head of Maori Studies, University of Auckland, and author of two previous books. Professor Mutu is a mandated representative of Ngati Kahu nationally and internationally at the United Nations Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues. She is chief negotiator for the settlement of Ngati Kahu's Treaty claim.