Opinion: Te ao Māori provides guidance for NZ’s engagement with ASEAN

Hone McGregor: "In that context, I found the dialogue’s discussions about nurturing young leaders and investing in the next generation deeply meaningful."

Reflecting on the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s involvement in the 16th ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand (AANZ) Track II Dialogue held in Kuala Lumpur this past October, I was profoundly moved by the event’s focus on people, connectivity, and the long history of this partnership.

The dialogue marked almost 50 years of engagement between Aotearoa and ASEAN, an institution that has been central to the Asia-Pacific region.  This milestone provided an opportunity to reflect not only on past achievements but also on how we (Aotearoa and ASEAN) shape our future together. 

The significance of Aotearoa’s relationship with ASEAN cannot be overstated. We established formal ties in 1975 and became a dialogue partner in 1976, meaning we now have half a century of shared history and mutual goals.

As I sat in this year’s track II dialogue, I found myself thinking about the bonds that have been formed and how they can be strengthened moving forward.

Hone: "The idea of looking to the future and creating a sustainable, interconnected Asia-Pacific region aligns seamlessly with the long-term vision we embrace in Māori culture."

While ASEAN has its own "Vision 2045" centred around the idea of "Thoughtful Growth", I couldn’t help but draw parallels to te ao Māori (Māori worldview).

There is a powerful whakataukī (proverb) that echoes the sentiment perfectly: He aha i te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata—What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people. This emphasis on a people-centred imperative felt compellingly relevant throughout the discussions. 

The 16th AANZ Dialogue highlighted the importance of relationships in every aspect of ASEAN’s work, from economic partnerships to geopolitics and security, to institutional frameworks. Yet, what resonated most with me was the emphasis on intergenerational leadership across the region, a principle that is fundamental within te ao Māori.

For tangata whenua, one of our core beliefs is that "our success is in succession", meaning our achievements are measured not only by the present but by how well we prepare the next generation.

At Wakatū Incorporation, where we work with a 500-year vision—Te Pae Tawhiti (looking beyond the distant horizon)—this long-term approach is something we live every day. We think about what it means to be tūpuna pono (good ancestors), ensuring we act in ways that are beneficial for both current and future generations. 

In that context, I found the dialogue’s discussions about nurturing young leaders and investing in the next generation deeply meaningful.

16th ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Track II Dialogue was a chance to share ideas with dialogue partners about some of the big issues facing the region

The idea of looking to the future and creating a sustainable, interconnected Asia-Pacific region aligns seamlessly with the long-term vision we embrace in Māori culture.

What would it look like to integrate that 500-year vision into ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand connectivity? How do we support a people-centred agenda with principles that endure, not just in the short term but for generations to come? 

The AANZ Dialogue raised these exact questions: What should our principles-based approach be for deepening relationships with ASEAN?

To me, the answer is clear—it has to be about people and intergenerational dialogue. 

Aotearoa’s principles should focus on aligning to this intergenerational well-being, ensuring we are stewards of the land, the region and relationships that will support our region’s prosperity.

As Māori, we understand the importance of being good ancestors, of holding a vision that extends far beyond our own lifetimes and creates opportunities for those yet to come. 

This dialogue made me think about how we can incorporate this ethos into our relationships across the Asia-Pacific.

ASEAN may be about countries, economies, and institutions, but at its heart, it is about tangata—people.

As Aotearoa looks to deepen our connections, we should do so with principles grounded in human connection, ensuring that these relationships are meaningful and sustainable for the next 500 years.

We must focus on the long view, with a commitment to the intergenerational well-being of our collective communities and the environmental and economic health of our shared region. 

Hone: "ASEAN may be about countries, economies, and institutions, but at its heart, it is about tangata—people."

Finally, the experience reminded me of the words of a well-loved waiata (song): Te Aroha, Te Whakapono, me te Rangimarie, tātou, tātou e.

These words capture the essence of what our principles should be moving forward.

Aroha means love, a genuine care for each other and for the agenda we are pursuing together. Pono stands for faith, both in each other and in the relationships we are building guided by our ancestors and inspired by the energy and innovation of our youth. Rangimarie means peace, which is not only the absence of conflict but the presence of prosperity and well-being. 

This framework—love, faith, and peace—encapsulates what our approach to ASEAN should be.

As we look to the future, this te ao Māori perspective offers a guiding light, emphasising the importance of connection, intergenerational thinking, and a profound respect for the relationships we have been privileged to nurture and the ones we are yet to build. It is a call to be thoughtful, strategic, and above all, people-centred as we continue our journey in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Last thought: with participation in events like these, you always get out more than you put in! Ngā mihi nui Asia New Zealand Foundation for affording me the opportunity to be a participant in such an important kaupapa! 

About the author 

Hone McGregor is a Trustee of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, and Chair of Wakatū Incorporation. He is a Kono director and sits on Kono’s Audit and Risk Committee and chairs the Human Resource Committee.

Hone’s professional qualifications include a Master of Education. He has extensive experience in senior leadership roles across Aotearoa and serves on a number of boards and expert advisory groups, and is an Executive Member on the Federation of Māori Authorities.

Hone lives in Wellington and is of Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Kere, and Rangitāne descent.