Treaty of Waitangi:
Wiremu Parker introduces the programme about the 1971 Waitangi Day celebrations, saying they were marred by rain and protest demonstrations. The demonstrators became a preoccupation with the news media, who gave blow-by-blow descriptions of protest meetings and demonstrations. When the Minister of Finance Robert Muldoon, representing the government, stood to talk the "Nga Tamatoa" group (dressed in black) filed out onto the marae.
- Kaikōrero: Rob Muldoon speaks over a female protester who is calling "Tihēi mauri ora!" [probably Hana Jackson]
- Kaikōrero: Unidentified Ngā Tamatoa members [second speaker is probably Syd Jackson] give their opinions on the Treaty.
The Ngā Tamatoa Council includes professional young Māori in its ranks. They decided to make their grievances known at Waitangi Day in 1971. Before they did this, they met at Rapunga Marae and sought the support of elders of the North, including Walter Kawiti.
- Kaikōrero: Interview with Walter Kawiti, who talks about why he is supporting Ngā Tamatoa.
- Kaikōrero: A female member of Ngā Tamatoa [Ribena Paeroa?] speaks about the importance of having the support of their elders.
- Kaikōrero: Interview with Northern elder Te Pahara Rameka, who talks about his anger at the way the Treaty has been disregarded and called 'only a gentlemen's agreement'.
For the past 131 years the Treaty has been the subject of much kōrero at many hui, and numerous submissions have been submitted to Parliament and rejected. One of the official party at the Waitangi celebrations was Colonel Jim Hēnare, who felt that Waitangi Day should not be held as a day of protest.
- Kaikōrero: James Hēnare speaks about his belief the protests are 'not Māori' and are inappropriate on this day.
Wiremu Parker gives his own views on the protests.
Actuality [from the Te Rapunga hui]: Dr Pat Hohepa, of Ngā Tamatoa speaks in English and te reo Māori, calls Waitangi Day celebrations a 'useless ritual for a covenant that has already been broken.'
- Kaikōrero: James Hēnare agrees that Māori can have some grievances, but disagrees that Pākēha simply grabbed Māori land. He also elaborates on his fears about what could happened if the Treaty were ratified.
- Kaikōrero: Ngā Tamatoa speakers [recorded at Te Rapunga hui]
- An unidentified female speaker, a law student, talks about the lack of Māori land law being taught in her training, and appeals to the elders present to show them the way.
- An unidentified man talks about Māori land confiscation
- An elder speaks in te reo Māori
Actuality of Robert Muldoon speaking over Ngā Tamatoa protests at Waitangi, including a haka.