The Treaty of Waitangi

by Ross Calman

The Treaty of Waitangi is the founding document of New Zealand, a subject of endless discussion and controversy, and is at the center of many of this nation’s major events, including the annual Waitangi Day celebrations and protests. Yet most people lack the basic information on the details about the Treaty. Ross Calman’s book provides a brief, balanced introduction to the treaty’s contents and signing, and how it has played a key role in the shaping of New Zealand/Aotearoa.

This book is a concise overview of New Zealand’s founding document, signed between the British and Maori in 1840 – its contents, controversial signing and translation, and historical importance.

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2014

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book written for young people points out the differences in the Pakeha and Maori versions of the Treaty. There was no Maori word for “government” and so the translation uses a word that means “governorship”. Maori at that time also had little concept of what a governor was. So the version signed by most chief said that Britain would take over “governorship” but Maori would retain “ chieftainship”.
The flood of European settlers and their arrogant assumption that all the land was theirs to take, (as was the way of white settlers throughout the world) had a profound effect on the Maori.
It is a good, straightforward text. Unfortunately, many of the illustrations are unclear ( many being reproductions of old blank and white photos), but especially the map showing where the Treaty was signed. The dots indicating places are so small, and black against the black map outline, that they are indistinguishable.

[Claude's Bookzone · Rating 2 out of 5]

A simplified history of the Treaty of Waitangi and visually unappealling.

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, clear, straightforward description of events leading up to the creation of the Treaty, the document itself, and what has happened since then.