It’s a few years now since I heard Dr Ranginui Walker talk about how there are only two groups of people in Aotearoa New Zealand - Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti. As a Mizo/Malayalee from India and thus Tangata Tiriti, Te Tiriti o Waitangi is deeply significant to me - it is the basis for my having a right to live in this country. This year was extra special though…as part of Whānau Tahi Limited, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Te Whānau O Waipareira at the Waitangi Day Celebrations. This is the first time I have been on the other side, working to support the many thousands that came out on a wet, wet day. There will be many more opportunities, I hope, to remember the treaty that gives me legitimacy in Aotearoa New Zealand. This was the first.