Treaty of Waitangi

On February 6, 1840, more than 40 Maori chiefs signed a treaty with the Queen of England, the Treaty of Waitangi. It is considered the founding document of New Zealand. The problem was. With a few exceptions, the English did not speak Maori, and only a few Maori spoke (poorly) English. There was a translation of the treaty into Maori, but there were errors in the translation. Therefore, there are still different interpretations of the contract.

Was the treaty good for New Zealand, for the Maori? Some say yes, others say no. The Waitangi Tribunal has existed since 1975 and deals with Maori disputes and claims.

The site of the event can still be visited today. Actually, I just wanted to drive by and have a quick look. What briefly turned into an entry fee and a guided tour🤷🏼‍♀️. It was always interesting.

The house in front of which the contract was concluded in 1840 still stands today. A carved Maori meeting house has stood next to it since 1940. These meeting houses are usually very beautifully designed and every detail has a deeper meaning.

Since I was in Waitangi almost a week before February 6th, I was able to see a demonstration. Many Maori (young and old, man or woman) have already practiced for the anniversary. They practiced the fearsome Haka. A real spectacle!

Dances were then performed for the tourists in the meeting house and afterwards you were allowed to take a photo with the grim-looking Maori...