Kia ora! In New Zealand, much conflict and tension has resulted from a single word. The Treaty of Witangi, a central document from our past, was written in both English and Maori. One word – in English, the word “sovereignty” – was translated into Maori with a word that has quite different connotations. As a result. the Maori leaders and the English leaders signed quite different documents. the outcome has been a century of tension and conflict – and much more. Words matter. They can start wars, shed blood, heal wounds and relationships.

Tena koutou katoa!