Becoming Tangata Tiriti

Avril Bell's 'Becoming Tangata Tiriti: Working with Māori, Honouring the Treaty' is an accessible and insightful book that explores what it means to be a non-Māori person honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Aotearoa New Zealand. Bell breaks down complex ideas about colonisation, privilege, and responsibility in a way that is easy to understand, making this book an excellent read for both students and educators.

One of the book's strengths is how it encourages us to reflect on our own place in Aotearoa New Zealand's history and present. Bell doesn't just discuss the problems of the past - she challenges Pākehā and other non-Māori to take action in ways that are meaningful and respectful. Alongside other Tangata Tiriti, she also shares personal experiences and examples that make this book feel relatable rather than just theoretical.