The Wall Walk: The impact of policy on Māori
Walk through a timeline of key events in New Zealand history focusing on the relationship between Māori and the Crown, and feel the impact that legislation has had on Māori.
In-Person
12 Oct 2026 | Wellington (Pipitea)
Can’t make these dates or want a private course?
Course overview
In this half-day interactive workshop, you will begin to understand the impact that government policies have had on Māori and Aotearoa New Zealand national identity. – This includes the tensions, the misunderstandings, and unique opportunities that become unlocked for us all as we evolve and share this history.
Through the knowledge gained, the walk invites participants – before, during and after – to think more about the impact of history on today’s social outcomes, and to think more about our role and effectiveness today, tomorrow, and ahead.
Each attendee plays a small role in the walk, requiring a little bit of preparation (not much, and interesting stuff). All participants need to commit to doing the preparation, which is given two weeks before the workshop.
The workshop is not a physical walk; it’s a room-based event, a walk-through time, and events. It is engaging and informative, conducted within a collaborative and supportive environment.
What you'll learn
This course will
- Raise awareness about the history of Māori-Crown relations through a Māori lens.
- Mobilise participants to view the world we live in through a Māori lens and act to improve Māori outcomes.
- Win hearts and minds to provoke action and foster peaceful understanding.
Course modules
This course is a one-off event that takes 4 hours, including a 15-20 minute break in the middle.
At least two weeks prior to the course starting, you will be assigned to a group and given a topic to present on. If you have signed up with a group of colleagues, you will be completing the group work with them. If not, we will assign you a group and share contact details (pre-approved). Each group is responsible to complete the group work together for the presentation on the day.
Further Information
Format
Dr Simone Bull (aka “Sim”) will tell a story that follows a 180-year timeline captured on 5 huge posters that take up an entire 6m long wall.
At different points in the timeline pre-arranged groups of participants will participate by describing a particular event.
Two or more weeks before the workshop, participants are divided into 10 groups of equal size and given a topic to learn more about. Hyperlinks are provided to get you started, and of course you can do your own research. Participants will be asked to present back at the workshop on their assigned topic.
P.S. Don’t let the name fool you. Walking shoes are not needed. The workshop is all indoors.
Self-guided study
Resources are provided for ‘self-guided study‘ where you can find books, podcasts, videos (some of which will be mentioned during the course) to follow up in your own time and space.
Workload and Assessment
You should expect to spend a couple of hours on your own reading/listening/viewing the resources supplied here, plus a couple of hours liaising with your group to create a short presentation.
There is no formal assessment for this workshop, however each participant is expected to participate in the research and group presentations.
What You'll Receive
You will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a Wellington Uni-Professional digital badge. These include the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours completed, making them suitable for recognition by professional organisations and employers.
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