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1840

The Treaty of Waitangi in two languages

An agreement in two languages carried different meanings of governance and sovereignty.

Waitangi

Migrants, the Crown and chiefs

Does a signature establish an identical understanding? The English and Māori texts of the Treaty of Waitangi differed over authority. Regulating settlers and maintaining rangatira authority met within the same agreement.

Most chiefs signed Māori texts through circulating copies, not one nationwide event. Support, refusal and access differed. English wording alone cannot establish every signatory’s expectations.

[1] Archives New Zealand[2] Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Translating government and authority

The Māori text used kāwanatanga for English sovereignty while guaranteeing tino rangatiratanga. The latter authority is not equivalent to English property ownership; taonga also includes intangible treasures. The wording mattered to who could decide over land and communities’ own affairs.

[1] Archives New Zealand[2] Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage

A long relationship after signing

Disputes over land and authority continued. Marches and land occupations demanding fulfillment intensified in the 1970s. Established in 1975, the Waitangi Tribunal became a further stage in examining Crown conduct. The preserved text supported scrutiny of later actions as well as recording agreement.

[2] Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage[1] Archives New Zealand

Before and after

  1. 6 February 1840

    Initial signing at Waitangi.

  2. February–September 1840

    Copies circulated and signing continued.

  3. 21 May 1840

    British sovereignty was proclaimed.

  4. 1975

    The Waitangi Tribunal was established.

Key terms

Sovereignty
A term for supreme governing authority.
Rangatiratanga
A Māori treaty term associated with chiefly authority.
Treaty text
A written statement of commitments and authority.

What supports the account?

The Crown and Māori chiefs were parties. The treaty requires examining promises, not merely drawing lines between states.

Signing, the distinction between governance and sovereignty, and preservation of originals. Signing on 6 February 1840, multiple sheets and differing interpretations.

Limits of the evidence

Not all chiefs necessarily shared one understanding.

[1] Archives New Zealand[2] Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage

English sovereignty and Māori terms concerning government do not match exactly. The Māori text is not a simple copy.

Signing, the distinction between governance and sovereignty, and preservation of originals. Signing on 6 February 1840, multiple sheets and differing interpretations.

Limits of the evidence

One modern translated word should not fix the whole meaning.

[1] Archives New Zealand[2] Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Check your understanding

Choose an answer to reveal the explanation. Return to the article and sources when you are unsure.

1. Almost all chiefs signed the Māori text. Why is using only English inadequate?

Sources

  1. The Treaty of Waitangi and how it happenedArchives New Zealand

    Signing, the distinction between governance and sovereignty, and preservation of originals.

  2. The Treaty in briefManatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage

    Signing on 6 February 1840, multiple sheets and differing interpretations.

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