THE TREATY OF WAITANGI 6 February 1840

This week we celebrate Waitangi Day. For many of us it is a day in which we take a break from work, enjoy the summer weather and maybe even reflect on what it means to be a New Zealander. However, Waitangi Day began as a way of commemorating the signing of a Treaty made between Maori Chiefs and European settlers in 1840. The population of New Zealand in the late 1830’s was approximately 125,000 Maori and 2000 European settlers (who were mainly British sealers, whalers and traders). Missionaries also arrived in New Zealand and set about introducing Maori to Christianity.

They became interested in settling permanently in New Zealand and wanted to purchase land to build homes and set up farms. However, other European countries were also showing an interest in New Zealand and it was feared other countries would try to take over. This, and the growing lawlessness of the British people already in New Zealand, prompted 13 Maori chiefs to organize a petition for protection which they sent to King William IV in 1931. In 1833 James Busby was appointed the British Resident in New Zealand to negotiate between the Maori and European settlers and to deal with disputes over land. He had limited powers so was seen as more of a negotiator than a law enforcer.

In 1838 plans were being made to establish more British settlements in New Zealand which put pressure on the British to establish a New Zealand government. Having previously signed the ‘Declaration of Independence of New Zealand’, which stated the King of England would act as the protector against any

attempts on New Zealand’s independence, Maori saw this as a guarantee of their independence. However, the British realised that they needed to negotiate a formal Treaty with the Maori chiefs if New Zealand was to become a British Colony. In 1839 Captain William Hobson was sent to replace James Busby. He was to negotiate a treaty with the Maori by which New Zealand would become a British colony. Hobson arrived in Waitangi on 29 January 1840, and immediately issued invitations to several hundred Māori to come to Waitangi to sign a treaty. The entire treaty was prepared in four days, however it was soon realised that a treaty in English could not be understood, debated or agreed to by Maori so Hobson instructed missionary Henry Williams to translate it into Maori. This was done overnight on 4 February. On 5 February, copies of the treaty in both languages were put before a gathering of chiefs in front of James Busby's house at Waitangi. Hobson read the treaty aloud in English and Williams read his Maori version. Maori chiefs (rangatira) debated the treaty for five hours. They then moved to a river flat below Busby's house and continued deliberations late into the night. Although Hobson had planned for the signing to occur on 7 February, on the morning of 6 February, 45 chiefs were ready to sign. Of the Maori chiefs, Hone Heke was the first to sign and as each chief signed, Hobson said "He iwi tahi tātou", meaning "We are now one people".

THE TREATY OF WAITANGI 6 February 1840

Discussion Questions Factual

1. When and where was the Treaty of Waitangi signed?

2. What was the purpose of the Treaty? 3. Who was the first Maori chief to sign the Treaty? 4. How many copies of the Treaty were signed altogether? Inferential 5. What do you think the chiefs may have been discussing before they made the decision to sign the Treaty? Challenge 6. A treaty is a formal agreement between

parties. Write down 3 rules or guidelines that could be part of your “Classroom Treaty” or essential agreement.

As a class, share these rules or guidelines then come up with a “Classroom Treaty” you can all agree to and sign.

After the initial signing at Waitangi, copies of the Treaty were taken around New Zealand and over the following months many other chiefs signed. In total there are nine copies of the Treaty of Waitangi including the original signed on 6 February 1840. The English and Maori versions of the Treaty differed significantly, so to this day there is not a consensus on exactly what was agreed to. This has led to debate and controversy surrounding the Treaty.

Waitangi Day can now be seen as an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our country and explore ways to make New Zealand even better in the future.