Point of View.

This episode of Point Of View features a documentary by Ross Stevens which looks at the Ngā Tamatoa young Māori protest group at Waitangi in 1971.

The documentary includes actuality of protests at Waitangi in 1971, as well as interviews with members of the group [names transcribed as heard - some speaker's identities have not been verified].

Actuality of Finance Minister Robert Muldoon, representing the government, speaking at Waitangi, [with heckling and protests in Māori by Ngā Tamatoa members who filed out dressed in mourning black]. A woman [probably Hana Jackson] can be heard shouting 'Tihēi mauri ora!".

Comments by various unidentified young men [including Syd Jackson] about wanting injustices put right, and dissatisfaction with the Treaty.

Ngā Tamatoa is formed of mainly young Auckland Māori, who met at Te Rapunga Marae near Kawakawa, just before Waitangi Day 1971.

Elder Walter Kawiti of Tai Tokerau is interviewed and says he supports Ngā Tamatoa, as his people are not happy with the Treaty. He doesn't think Ngā Tamatoa will cause a rift in Māori.

An interview with a young woman, Ribena Paeroa [?], who says they have the support of their elders.

Another elder, Aussie Huata [sic.] has refused to take part in the ceremonies at Waitangi for many years, in protest. He talks about his reasons why, saying he still believes the Treaty of Waitangi is a legal document but different governments say it is nothing, 'only a gentleman's agreement'. [This speaker has been wrongly identified in the programme. The interviewee is named as Te Pahara Rameka in ID46715.]

Colonel James Hēnare says using Waitangi Day as a day for protest is not the Māori way, and there are other means for protest. He agrees the young people have a right to be heard, but they are alienating any sympathy towards them by their protests, which he says are 'European'.

Dr Jim [sic.] Sinclair talks about the articles of the Treaty and the way in which they have been broken. [Probably Dr Doug Sinclair?]

Patrick Te Hemara talks about why land is so important to Māori. Walter Kawiti comments about why loss of land is important to Māori. James Hēnare agrees injustices have been done, but says much of the land was sold to Europeans, rather than 'grabbed'.

Actuality of a speaker at Rapunga Marae talking about Māori rights to fisheries, and being prosecuted for taking shellfish. Aussie Huata [sic. actually Te Pahara Rameka] comments on restrictions on pipi gathering. Timi Maipi [?] talks about restrictions on shellfish and how the reasons for the laws are not explained.

Ngā Tamatoa wants the treaty ratified. Walter Kawiti explains why he agrees; and Colonel Hēnare explains why he thinks this is dangerous, as it could allow successive governments to abolish the Treaty.

Vinnie Raureti [Ngāti Rangitihi] says she thinks through Ngā Tamatoa, Māori should go it alone and 'thinking Pākēhas' will come along with them. Ribena Paeroa says it is impossible now to return to traditional Māori communal living after living the European way, although she would love to do it.

Ngā Tamatoa President Poata Eruera says Ngā Tamatoa can show the Māori people what a raw deal they are getting, and pressure the government.

The programme ends with further actuality of Mr Muldoon and protestors at Waitangi.