Wolfgramm Holdings

30 Key Facts about Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Breviss Wolfgramm
Feb 13, 2025By Breviss Wolfgramm

30 Key Facts about
Te Tiriti o Waitangi 
(The Treaty of Waitangi)


Here are 30 key facts about Te Tiriti o Waitangi:

  1. Signed on February 6, 1840, at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands
     
  2. Considered the founding document of New Zealand
     
  3. Two versions exist - one in English and one in te reo Māori (Te Tiriti)
     
  4. Over 500 Māori Rangatira (chiefs) signed, including 13 women
     
  5. Most Māori signed the te reo Māori version
     
  6. Captain William Hobson represented the British Crown
     
  7. Consists of a preamble and three articles
     
  8. Article 1 grants governance rights to the British Crown
     
  9. Article 2 guarantees Māori Tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty) over their lands and treasures
     
  10. Article 3 promises Māori the rights of British subjects
     
  11. Preceded by He Whakaputanga (Declaration of Independence) in    1835
     
  12. Differences in translation led to conflicting interpretations
     
  13. Formed the basis for British annexation of New Zealand
     
  14. Has been repeatedly breached by the Crown since its signing
     
  15. Led to land confiscations and unjust legislation against Māori
     
  16. Sparked increased Māori protest movements in the 20th century
     
  17. Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 established the Waitangi Tribunal
     
  18. Waitangi Tribunal investigates breaches of the Treaty
     
  19. Now considered a partnership between Māori and the Crown
     
  20. Provides the basis for biculturalism in New Zealand
     
  21. Recognizes the special place of Māori as tangata whenua (people of the land)
     
  22. Influences modern legislation and government policies
     
  23. Subject of ongoing debate and reinterpretation
     
  24. French Catholic Bishop Pompallier requested religious freedom at the signing
     
  25. 39 Rangatira signed an English version at Manukau Harbour and Waikato Heads
     
  26. Kohimarama conference in 1860 discussed Treaty interpretations
     
  27. Treaty principles developed through court decisions and legislation
     
  28. Waitangi Day (February 6) is now a public holiday in New Zealand
     
  29. Growing British migration in the 1830s influenced the need for the Treaty
     
  30. The Treaty aimed to protect Māori rights and regulate British subjects