Treaty of Waitangi

The Treaty of Waitangi is a peace treaty that was made an agreement between the British and the Maori, this
happened on 6th of February 1840.  This is our understanding of how the Treaty came to an agreement.

The whalers came over and brought many things. These items effected on them and they were not so good.
They introduced to them alcohol which led to quarrels and unprofessional behaviour from all of them. The
whalers also brought over diseases which got the Maori people unhealthy and sick. Another thing that the
whalers were known for was marrying Maori women of the land. Muskets were also introduced to the Maori
people which were commonly known for changing Maori and New Zealand citizens forever.


When the British came over with muskets, the Maori people made the decision that they were no match
against the British fighters with their spears such as Meres Pounamu and Pakiha So they decided to trade
food, souvenirs, coats and other special items to them for the exchange for the muskets. When all people
including Maori and British had received their muskets, there had been different wars and fights between
them. Some had fought for their land, some for self defence and others for revenge. Missionaries also came
over to the Maori people. They helped them and had good relations with them. The Missionaries taught
them many things that helped the Maori's and also influenced them in a Religious Perspective.

As time passed and fights had still been carried on. Groups of british and Maori came to the conclusion of
creating a peace treaty. The treaty was signed between representatives of the British Crown and Maori Chiefs.
Some Maori Chiefs refused to sign the treaty if it was not translated into the Maori Language. So it was done
and some signed the Maori treaty, some signed the English treaty and some signed none.

Years still pass and New Zealand still commemorate the day that Maori Chiefs and British representatives
signed a treaty of peace between two groups of the British and Maori People.