Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand

What is the Treaty all about?

The Treaty of Waitangi is an agreement between Maori hapu (subtribes of Maori people) and the New Zealand Government.

The Treaty of Waitangi:
- was signed on the 6th of February 1840 at Waitangi
- was signed by Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown
- is a starting place of discussion for Maori and Government
- safeguards the development of Maori culture, resources and way of life
- maintains Maori as the ancestral people of Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand)

Who are Maori?

Maori are a tribal people indigenous to Aotearoa New Zealand and make up approximately 16% of the total population.
Maori societal structure is composed of basically three levels:
- the individual whanau or family,
- which is connected to the hapu or subtribe,
- which in turn is connected to the iwi or main tribe and then back to the ancestral waka or canoe.

Hapu and iwi connection is important to Maori as it:
- is a source of Maori identity
- confirms family relationships
- connects Maori with the land
- is the traditional base of decision-making
- is the heart of Maori culture

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