Treaty of Waitangi

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/treaty-of-waitangi

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the date of signing?February 6, 1840
2. What is the location of initial signing?Waitangi, North Island, New Zealand
3. Why was the Treaty signed in 1840?The British wanted to control settlers and stop lawlessness, while some Māori leaders wanted protection and a way to manage the many new people coming to New Zealand.
4. How are the English and Māori versions different?The English text says Māori gave all their sovereignty to the Crown, but the Māori text says the Crown gets governance while Māori keep their own authority over their lands and treasures.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi: The Māori language version of the Treaty of Waitangi, central to its interpretation and legitimacy.
Kawanatanga: A term in the Māori text, often translated as governance, granting the Crown authority to govern.
Rangatiratanga: A term in the Māori text, signifying chieftainship, authority, and self-determination retained by Māori.
Sovereignty: The supreme authority or power of a state to govern itself or another state.