He Whakaputanga me te Tiriti: The Declaration and the Treaty Flashcards
What did the ‘Elizabeth affair’ in 1830, have to do with the colonisation of NZ?
Te Rauparaha asked for the assistance of the captain and crew of the Elizabeth in return for a cargo of flax. He wanted to get down to the Chch area.
Te Maiharanui; a rangatira of Ngai Tahu is captured, tortured and killed by Te Rauparaha on this ship. He had superior musket power and slaughtered large numbers of Ngai Tahu.
Reports back to New South Wales say the ship contains baskets of human flesh which were taken back to Wellington to consume. Tabloids in England latched onto this, in addition, there are the missionaries writing of war.
Britain: ‘look we have introduced muskets into NZ and they are slaughtering each other, Britain needs to intervene.’
Britain did not want to establish a colony within NZ; colonies cost money to establish.
What happened in 1839 which led to the Treaty of Waitangi?
In 1839 ( the new) Governor Gipps of NSW issues instructions to Hobson to seek sovereignty for Britain. So in January 1840 Hobson sails to New Zealand.
What were the first steps in creating the treaty?
By the time Hobson reaches NZ he had suffered a series of strokes. He calls upon Busby and a printer, William Colenso to discuss the instructions.
Invitations are sent to chiefs and settlers.
The Treaty is drafted and Henry Williams translates a copy.
Who drafted the Treaty? How is it translated?
Busby claims he wrote most of the treaty - but really it was mainly Hobson and others had input.
So he drafts the treaty in English and hands it over to one of the most important missionaries at this time = Henry Williams.
Henry Williams has been in the country for around 15 years, he knows Te Reo Maori so Hobson trusts him with the translation.
Henry Williams translates this treaty into Te Reo Maori and this is the actual Treaty of Waitangi.
Since Hobson was ill, what did this mean for the translations of the Treaty?
Because he was too ill to take the Treaty around the country, he had a number of copies drafted up so there were some differences in the translations.
How many articles are in the Treaty?
There’s a Preamble (introduction) and then three articles. Some legal scholars have said there is a fourth article. They are talking about an oral guarantee about freedom of religion.
What was Article I about? Were there problems with the translation?
Chiefs gave the Queen “Kawanatanga”.
Williams coined this word, it meant governorship to Maori; they were familiar with what a governor was.
The English version said “sovereignty” which is a different concept.
What was Article II about? Were there problems with the translation?
Maori version = guaranteed their lands, their homes and prized (taonga) things.
English version = used the word “properties”.
These terms come from different world views.
What was Article III about? Were there problems with the translation?
No translation problems here. The Queen extended to the Natives Her Royal protection and imparts to them all the Rights and Privileges of British Subjects.
There was a meeting on 5th Feb, chiefs were negative about the treaty at first. Who spoke that changed their minds? (3 people)
Tamati Waka Nene
Patuone
Hone Heke
These three spoke in support; these men had a lot of mana.
Tamati and his brother Patuone were old war generals, and Hone Heke was a young charismatic leader.
When was the Treaty signed?
6 February 1840
Which notable chief did not sign the Treaty?
Te Wherowhero, Waikato chief
Why did some chiefs sign without thinking too much of it?
They thought it was a bargain. Sign name and then be given gifts. From their worldview, signing pieces of paper meant nothing, it was an oral culture. Promises given at a hui matter most, breaking a promise that was on paper doesn’t really matter.
Name the three Otago chiefs which signed the Treaty.
Taiaroa
Karetai
Korako
Which island is not part of the Treaty and why not?
Southland chief Tuhawaiki of Ngai Tahu signed the treaty with conditions on the back with the effect that Ruapuke Island was not to be subject to the Treaty.
