Treaties, truth and equality: how NZ, Australia and Canada are all struggling with colonial politics

The hīkoi (march) to protest NZ's Treaty Principles Bill crosses Auckland Harbour Bridge, November 13. Getty Images

With the ACT Party’s Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill having its first reading in parliament last week, the debate and protests have been – understandably – focused on the local historical and political landscape.

But New Zealand isn’t alone in struggling with ideas about the truth of colonialism and its impacts, and how these should influence policy debates and legislation.