Bringing together Māori legal professionals, and esteemed speakers for a transformative event, Hui-ā-Tau provides a platform for professional development, whanaungatanga, and critical discussions on pressing legal and political issues affecting Māori.
Conference Theme: Tuia ki te muka tangata - Bound together by our indigeneity
Key Highlights:
- Keynote Addresses and Panel Presentations - Designed to encourage rich discussion and debate.
Whakawhanaungatanga - A cultural exchange to strengthen connections and shared understanding.
Composed Waiata - Learn a specially composed waiata (song) that symbolises our collective unity.
Collaboration - Hui E: The first international gathering of indigenous judges, featuring participation from judges across Canada, USA, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa
Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa was founded in 1988 in a Rotorua garage by a small group of lawyers. Over time, it has grown into a significant organisation that includes legal professionals, judges, lawmakers, academics, policy analysts, researchers, and Māori law students. As a voluntary organisation, its executive committee works full-time, and it fosters strong relationships with groups like the New Zealand Law Society and the Law Commission. In 2018, the Society celebrated its 30th anniversary with a conference attended by over 300 people. Today, Te Hunga Rōia Māori represents Māori in the legal profession and works within communities to support the iwi. The Society’s vision is “Mā te Ture, Mō te Iwi – By the Law, For the People.”
Welcome to the Heart of the Kiingitanga
The Kiingitanga (King Movement) was established in 1858 under the leadership of Pōtatau Te Wherowhero to unite Māori iwi (tribes), protect land from sale, end inter-tribal conflict, and preserve Māori culture amidst colonisation. For over 160 years, Kiingitanga has remained a unifying force for all iwi. Today, it continues under the guidance of the eighth monarch, Kuini Ngā wai hono i te pō
Key Aspects of the Kiingitanga:
Unity: A collective movement uniting all iwi under shared leadership..
Resistance: Formed to stop land sales and promote peace among tribes.
Cultural Survival: Safeguarding Māori identity, language, and traditions.
Legacy: resilient symbol of Māori leadership and purpose for over 160 years.
Continuity: Led today by the eighth monarch, Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, symbolising intergenerational strength and connection.
Waikato Tainui and the Treaty of Waitangi
Conference Presenters
Professor Dr Megan Davis
Australia
Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin
Canada
Justice Joe Williams
New Zealand
Dr Claire Charters
New Zealand
Chief Justice Antonio Benjamin
Brazil
Justice Amanda White Eagle
Canada
Chief Justice Len Marchand
Canada
Justice Lincoln Crowley
Australia
Sponsors
Accommodation
We recommend Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport Hotel for international guests stopping over in Auckland, and Novotel Tainui Hamilton for those staying in the city during the conference. Both offer comfortable, high quality accommodation.
Contact Us
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us via phone or email.