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Understanding Kāwanatanga

Understanding Kāwanatanga

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Who actually has power in Aotearoa? Where do decisions get made: about healthcare, education, housing, the cost of living? Most of us were never taught how government really works. This book changes that.

In just 32 pages, Understanding Kāwanatanga shows how laws and systems shape your everyday life, and where people like you can have real influence. You can understand it in under an hour.

Te Tiriti sets limits on government power. This book shows how that power works right now, bridging what you already know about Te Tiriti with the system that operates around it every day.

Before you vote, understand how decisions are actually made.

The third book in the #1 bestselling Understanding Te Tiriti series by human rights lawyer and educator Roimata Smail. Written in her signature clear, accessible style — short enough to read in an afternoon, beautiful enough to keep close at hand, with original artwork by artbyngawai, design by Sarah Healey, and TKP design by Noelle Jakeman.

Inspired by the unprecedented public engagement with the Treaty Principles Bill and the author's trip to the United Nations in 2025, this book grows from a hopeful truth: people are beginning to understand their power. Understanding Kāwanatanga is designed to deepen it.

Read about how Roimata uses art and design to make complex history accessible →

About the author

Roimata Smail (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui) is a human rights lawyer, educator, and bestselling author. She has spent over 20 years working on te Tiriti cases — including representing lead claimants in the landmark Hauora Inquiry — and teaching te Tiriti in ways that are factual, respectful, and accessible. Learn more at TreatyTraining.com and roimatasmail.com.

Book details

32 pages — A5 (14.7 × 21.1 cm), stapled
Artwork by artbyngawai
Designed by Sarah Healey
TKP design by Noelle Jakeman, used with permission

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  • 5 stars: 4 (100%)
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H
Heather Rewiri

She’s done it again! Roimata has used the clear, familiar format from her other books to help support readers in understanding and connecting the familiar themes and facts about Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It’s also timely with our upcoming elections.
Those who haven’t yet decided on how they might vote, in terms of Te Tiriti, will want to check Sovereignty to clarify what each party is, in fact, stating. I for one was shocked with those who are still claiming we are all equal.
Thank you Roimata, this book is a gift to us all.

T
Trish

Excellent quality and easy to understand.

A
Andy

Amazing - a complex system simply explained

L
Lesley Murphy

Roimata and Wai Ako Books have again produced another excellent resource in the "Understanding… " series. The basic facts surrounding governance in Aotearoa New Zealand and te Tiriti are presented simply, concisely and without bias.

This book encourages New Zealanders to engage and understand historical context, and the journey of our nation to where it is today. It explores how and why the obligations of Kāwanatanga are clearly unfulfilled. Perhaps challenging perspectives along the way.

Let’s hope it doesn’t end as a trilogy.