The Treaty & Me 2025: Tricky Conversations about Te Tiriti

In the last of four dates in the Treaty & Me series for 2025, Kate Frykberg provides practical insights for having tricky conversations about Te Tiriti.

“We have all been there,” says Kate. “Someone makes a comment about Te Tiriti or Te Ao Māori which is ignorant or offensive, we are too stunned to respond in the moment, the conversation moves on, and the opportunity to stand up for Te Tiriti seems to have been lost.”

But now more than ever, it is important to reach out beyond the bubbles we live in, to engage honestly and respectfully, and to actively build support for Te Tiriti. This practical talk aims to boost both our confidence and our toolkits for navigating these important conversations well.

Kate Frykberg MNZM is passionate about figuring out what it means to be a good Pākehā / Tangata Tiriti, and how best to contribute to an equitable, Tiriti-based Aotearoa.

Kate’s first career was in IT, which included co-founding one of Aotearoa’s first web development companies, and receiving the ASB Businesswoman of the Year award and the NZ Order of Merit along the way. Her second career was in philanthropy, including roles as CE of the Todd Foundation, Chair of Philanthropy NZ, independent committee member of the Ngāi Tahu Fund, and co-founder of Te Muka Rau, a small, co-governed philanthropic trust supporting Te Ao Māori and anti-racism initiatives.

Kate currently works as a Pākehā co-facilitator for Tūmanako Consultants, volunteers with the Tiriti Action Group Pōneke, and is a blogger, board member and keen learner of te Reo Māori. She lives in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), where she and her husband have three sons, a dog, a cat and five chickens.

The Treaty & Me series is hosted by Network Waitangi Whangārei. Over four Wednesdays from 23 July until 13 August, respected Pākehā and community voices will speak about the Treaty / Te Tiriti from their own experience and research.

There are 2 sessions on each date – 12-2pm and 7-9pm – all at 116 Bank St, Whangārei.
Doors open 30 minutes before session start times – Free coffee, tea, soup & snacks will be served.

The talks are for everyone, but particularly those keen to explore how Te Tiriti is key to New Zealand’s harmonious future.

Speakers will be followed by a facilitated Q&A session, so please bring your curiosity, openness and questions.

All talks are FREE – Koha appreciated (bring cash on the day).