"Toitū he Whakaputanga"

Toitū He Whakaputanga: The Declaration of Independence endures. This is a big artwork 640mm x 490mm x 40 mm thick Gallery Frame. Mixed media, (collage, paint, pen, ink, acetone, cotton, resin) on x 25 Pōhutukawa Rau (leaves) 1835 A public and global announcement by the Rangatira of Nu Tireni stating our independence and declaring absolute and self-determined collective sovereign status. 1840 The British Crown and more than 500 Māori chiefs sign the Tiriti/Treaty to establish a nation state, covering issues including land and cultural rights and Māori relations with ruling authorities. 2024 The Treaty Principles Bill act was introduced into Parliament by Act party,(a minor coalition party) It aims to define the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and put them to a nationwide referendum for confirmation. This has been a highly contentious and devisive move and I 100% do not support this act. 2025 the Hearings begin with oral submissions for and against the Bill Whatungarongaro te tangata toitū te whenua While people come and go the land remains This bill threatens the ability of law to safeguard the natural environment for future generations and impacts on the whenua. Toitū he Whakaputanga Toitū te Tiriti Toitū te Whenua Ka whawhai tonu matōu Ake ake ake