The Treaty Of Waitangi - (Research)

What is Waitangi - 

The Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand’s founding document. It takes its name from the place in the Bay of Islands where it was first signed, on 6 February 1840. This day is now a public holiday in New Zealand. The Treaty is an agreement, in Māori and English, that was made between the British Crown and about 540 Māori rangatira (chiefs).

Why the Treaty of Waitangi is important - 

For us New Zealanders, it is very important and special to celebrate the Treaty of Waitangi, for it is showing our respect and support to the cultures in New Zealand, such as Pākehā, British and Māori. Also we celebrate this because the Treaty of Waitangi created friendship and peace between the Māori's and British, and non Māori people are now protected. 

The reason of Treaty of Waitangi -

The purpose of the Treaty, was to enable the British settlers and the Māori people to live together in New Zealand under a set of laws or agreements. The main reason for the Treaty, was to protect the rights of Māori to keep their land, forests, fisheries and treasures well handing over sovereignty to the English/British.

Five Interesting facts about The Treaty of Waitangi -

1. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in the grounds of James Busby's house in Waitangi in the Bay of Islands.
2. The Treaty was signed on February 6th 1840.
3.  Over 500 Māori chiefs and the British Leaders signed the Treaty.
4. There were two different versions signed, one in Māori and one in English.
5. New Zealand started to Celebrate Waitangi Day on 1974 on February 6th every year as a Public Holiday.