A human rights approach should underpin disaster management, before, during and after the event.4 It bases actions within a framework of agreed universal human rights principles, such as dignity, non-discrimination, participation, protection of vulnerable groups and accountability. It also reaffirms obligations to Tangata Whenua under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. A human rights approach grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi addresses fundamental human rights through the perspective of the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This means recognising and enabling the exercise of tino rangatiratanga and selfdetermination of Tangata Whenua, ensuring their participation in decision-making and equitable resourcing. In practice, the exercise of tino rangatiratanga, self-determination and manaakitanga has been seen in the swift and effective response of iwi, hapū, marae and Māori organisations in numerous emergency situations, including the Christchurch earthquakes, Covid-19 response and Cyclone Gabrielle. 4 United Nations, Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, Part III: Guiding Principles, p 13, paragraphs 19(c) and 19(d). 3