New Zealand History

Task: Write an explanation or Explaining what the Treaty

Of Waitangi is and how important it is to Aotearoa.

Make a word count, 250 to 300 words. 

What is the Treaty Of Waitangi? 

The Treaty Of Waitangi is a treaty first signed on 6 February 1840

by representatives of the British Crown and Maori chiefs from the

North Island of New Zealand. The Treaty Of Waitangi is the founding

document of New Zealand. It is an agreement entered into by a representative

of the Crown of Maori iwi and hapu. Treaty was not drafted as a constitution

or a state. It was a broad statement of principles upon which the British officials a

nd Maori chiefs made a political compact to find a nation state and build a

government in New Zealand to deal with pressing new circumstances.  

How important is it to Aotearoa?

The treaty promised to protect Maori culture and to enable Maori

to continue to live in New Zealand as Maori. At the same time, the

Treaty gave the crown the right to govern New Zealand and to represent

the interests of all New Zealanders. 

The Treaty was a contract of respect between the British and Maori.

The Treaty now means there must be respect between maori and non maori.

It is important that the laws and rules today consider and respect both maori 

and non maori ways of living.   

Extra Facts: 

Maori gives the crown an exclusive right to buy lands they wish to sell and

in return, are guaranteed full rights of ownership of their lands, forest , fisheries ,

and other possessions. 

It took four months to collect about 500 signatures. Hobson declared British

sovereignty over Aotearoa New Zealand on 21st of May 1840. He did this before

consulting the British Government. Hobson then told the British Government that

all rangatira in the North Island agreed to the Treaty.  

The Amount of words I have done is 322 words. YAYY