Direct consequences of the 1975 Hikoi
The 1975 Maori land march became a symbol of Maori passion for righting land injustices and an inspiration for future Maori protests. This effect on society, in particular Maori society, is a significant consequence of the land march as it has and continues to encourage Maori and New Zealanders to fight for equality in society. Although the land march was unsuccessful in gaining direct change from the government concerning Maori land issues, the movement helped future protests to succeed.
Image 1 (left): Thousands of protesters participating in the 1975 hikoi, becoming an inspiration for future protests
A partial consequence of the 1975 hikoi was the establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975. The 1975 land march was able to highlight Maori grievances and raise awareness of the injustices suffered by Maori. Injustices of which were supposed to be null and void as a result of the government following its promises made in the Treaty of Waitangi. However, the government did not act accordingly and the land march exposed this with its gained media attention and huge support from both Pakeha and Maori. The tribunal was therefore formed to report on and make recommendations on claims brought to the tribunal by Maori. These claims are Maori grievances relating to the Treaty of Waitangi and government actions that are against its clauses. Originally the tribunal could not look into past grievances and therefore was largely ineffective in working with land issues. The 1975 land march was instrumental in alerting New Zealand society of the unlawful actions of the government with regards to Maori land, resulting in the creation of a permanent commission of inquiry.
The 1975 Maori land march became a symbol of Maori passion for righting land injustices and an inspiration for future Maori protests. This effect on society, in particular Maori society, is a significant consequence of the land march as it has and continues to encourage Maori and New Zealanders to fight for equality in society. Although the land march was unsuccessful in gaining direct change from the government concerning Maori land issues, the movement helped future protests to succeed.
Image 1 (left): Thousands of protesters participating in the 1975 hikoi, becoming an inspiration for future protests
A partial consequence of the 1975 hikoi was the establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975. The 1975 land march was able to highlight Maori grievances and raise awareness of the injustices suffered by Maori. Injustices of which were supposed to be null and void as a result of the government following its promises made in the Treaty of Waitangi. However, the government did not act accordingly and the land march exposed this with its gained media attention and huge support from both Pakeha and Maori. The tribunal was therefore formed to report on and make recommendations on claims brought to the tribunal by Maori. These claims are Maori grievances relating to the Treaty of Waitangi and government actions that are against its clauses. Originally the tribunal could not look into past grievances and therefore was largely ineffective in working with land issues. The 1975 land march was instrumental in alerting New Zealand society of the unlawful actions of the government with regards to Maori land, resulting in the creation of a permanent commission of inquiry.