Dreaming Together for Constitutional Transformation

Abstract

Constitutional transformation is one of the biggest political ideas Aotearoa must grapple with. Featuring educators and members of Matike Mai Aoteaora, the Independent Working Group on Constitutional Transformation, Professor Margaret Mutu and Dr Veronica Tawhai engaged with questions of collective action and change in the opening keynote panel of the conference. In a discussion facililtated by Tayla Cook and Safari Hynes, Whaea Margaret and Veronica not only talk about the importance of conscientisation and deep learning, but offer opportunities for it as well. The intergenerational kōrero between panelists provides critical insights into founding documents like He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, while also asking what it means to honour them. In doing so, they provide space for dreaming, imagining, and inspiring change. The following transcription both captures the critical conversations had and encourages ongoing collective action. As Veronica reminds us, ‘it is not just about raising self-awareness through education, it is also the action that accompanies or follows from this’.