The treaty of Waitangi was forged to exclude Māori women – we must right that wrong | Emma Espiner

The signing of the treaty marks the point at which MAori women began to be written out of history

This week, to mark Waitangi Day, the Guardian is publishing five pieces of commentary from MAori writers.

This year I'm not interested in the symbolism of what Jacinda Ardern does or doesn't do or say at Waitangi. I'm looking to the Mana WAhine Kaupapa inquiry. Nearly 30 years since it was instigated, the inquiry investigates the role of the Crown in contributing to the disadvantage that has inequitably burdened wAhine MAori since the Treaty was signed. At the end of this month a judicial conference will be held to consider the claims.