Whakataukī | Proverb

"Ko te piko o te māhuri, tērā te tupu o te rākau"

The way the sapling is bent determines how the tree grows.

The 1840 signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi shaped the foundation of modern Aotearoa - but the Māori and English versions say different things! Understanding these differences is crucial to understanding New Zealand's history and ongoing Treaty debates. This document continues to shape our nation today.

āš–ļø Te Tiriti vs Treaty: Comparing the Two Versions

Unit 2: Decolonized History

šŸ“‹ Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the differences between Te Tiriti (Māori) and Treaty (English) versions
  • Analyze why these differences matter historically and today
  • Recognize the ongoing impact on sovereignty and rights
  • Develop critical thinking about historical documents

šŸ“œ Historical Context

On February 6, 1840, two versions of a treaty were signed at Waitangi:

  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Māori version) - signed by ~500 rangatira
  • Treaty of Waitangi (English version) - signed by British officials

āš ļø Problem: The translations were NOT exact, leading to different understandings of what was agreed!

šŸ“Š Article 1: Governance & Kawanatanga

Te Tiriti (Māori Version) Treaty (English Version)
Key Word: "Kāwanatanga"

Māori chiefs cede "kāwanatanga" (governorship/governance) to the British Crown.

Implication: A level of governance, but NOT absolute sovereignty. 		Key Word: "Sovereignty"

Māori chiefs cede "absolute sovereignty" over New Zealand to the British Crown.

Implication: Complete, total control given to Britain.
šŸ” KEY DIFFERENCE: "Kāwanatanga" ā‰  "Sovereignty"! Māori understood they were sharing governance, not giving up all power. English version claimed total British control.

Question: Why might this difference have caused problems later?

šŸ“Š Article 2: Rights & Tino Rangatiratanga

Te Tiriti (Māori Version) Treaty (English Version)
Key Word: "Tino Rangatiratanga"

The Crown guarantees Māori "tino rangatiratanga" (absolute chieftainship/self-determination) over their lands, villages, and taonga.

Implication: Māori retain full authority over their resources and treasures. 		Key Word: "Possession"

The Crown confirms to Māori the "full exclusive and undisturbed possession of their lands" as long as they wish to retain it.

Implication: Māori have possession (like property ownership), not sovereignty.
šŸ” KEY DIFFERENCE: "Tino Rangatiratanga" = absolute chieftainship/authority. "Possession" = just ownership. Māori version guaranteed much stronger rights!

Question: What does "tino rangatiratanga" mean for Māori self-determination today?

šŸ’­ Critical Analysis Questions

1. If Māori chiefs signed the Māori version, which version should be honored? Explain your reasoning.

2. How do these differences explain ongoing Treaty settlements and Waitangi Tribunal claims today?

3. Research: Find ONE current issue in NZ that relates to Treaty interpretation differences.

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