10 Interesting the Treaty of Waitangi Facts

The Treaty of Waitangi Facts talks about the treaty between British Crown and Maori people.  On 6th February 1840, the treaty was signed.  The treaty was between two parties. The first part was the representative of British Crown. The other one was the Maori chiefs who came from North Island of New Zealand. In May 1840, Lieutenant Governor William Hobson declared the sovereignty of Britain over New Zealand. Let us check other interesting facts about the Treaty of Waitangi facts below:

The Treaty of Waitangi Facts 1: the Maori people

Based on the treaty, the Maori people earned the rights as the British subjects. The Maori ownership of their properties, forests and lands were recognized by the British. A British governor was also spotted in New Zealand. On the other hand, the Maori people would let go New Zealand for Britain by giving the queen the right to buy the land.

The Treaty of Waitangi Facts 2: the agreement

Actually, there was no exact consensus about the agreement of both parties since each had different versions of the treaty of Waitangi.

the treaty of waitangi facts

The Treaty of Waitangi Facts 3: the point of view of Britain

There were two main points believed by the British about the Treaty. First, that British had the right to govern New Zealand. Second, British had sovereignty on New Zealand.

The Treaty of Waitangi Facts 4: the point of view of Maori people

The Maori had their own point of view related the treaty. They believed that the Maori still had to maintain their own affairs even though they gave the British the right for governance. In return, the British should give them protection.

henry williams

The Treaty of Waitangi Facts 5: signing of treaty

The treaty was signed at Waitangi. Therefore, it was called as Treaty of Waitangi.

The Treaty of Waitangi Facts 6: the copies

After the treaty was signed, then the copies were shown in various areas in New Zealand. Get facts about the Peasant’s Revolt here.

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The Treaty of Waitangi Facts 7: who signed the treaty?

The treaty was signed by 530 to 540 Maori people. On 6 February 1840, the original one was signed.

The Treaty of Waitangi Facts 8: the number of copies of treaty

The total copies of Treaty of Waitangi are nine.  The Maori gained more awareness on the treaty in 1970s where they tried to claim the land.

william hobson

The Treaty of Waitangi Facts 9: the issues

The issues related to the unequal treatment and land loss were brought by Maori. Check facts about the Treaty of Versailles here.

The Treaty of Waitangi Facts 10: a founding document

Despite the controversy about the treaty, it plays an important role to establish New Zealand as a nation.

What do you think on facts about the Treaty of Waitangi?