Q&A: Waitangi Day

What happened at Waitangi?
Conflict in the early 1800s between European settlers and Maori arose because of the exploitation of land by some colonists.

In 1839 the British Government sent Captain William Hobson to New Zealand to secure British sovereignty.

In order to do this Hobson drafted the Treaty of Waitangi with advice from his secretary James Freeman and James Busby who had been in New Zealand since 1833 as the British Resident.

Missionary Henry Williams then translated the treaty into Maori. It was presumed at the time that the two versions were the same but differences were later found.

On February 6, 1840, at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, the treaty was signed by 40 Maori chiefs before travelling to other parts of the country. Copies were made and more than 500 chiefs signed.

* * *

What is the Treaty of Waitangi all about?
The treaty, the founding document of New Zealand, is an exchange of promises between Maori and early settlers and has three articles.

The first article in the English version states that Maori leaders give the Queen "all rights and powers of sovereignty" over their land. However the Maori version says leaders will give the Queen "te kawanatanga katoa", meaning government over their land.

The second article of the English version grants the chiefs and tribes of New Zealand "full exclusive and undisturbed possession of their lands and estates, forests, fisheries and other properties." It also states that the Crown has an exclusive right to purchase Maori land.

The Maori text of the second article guarantees "te tino rangatiratanga" - the exercise of chieftainship over their lands, villages and all property/treasures. It also says that the Crown can purchase Maori land only when they wish to sell.

Both versions of the third article are considered to have the same meaning - Maori will have the Queen's protection and the same rights as British people.

The copy of the treaty that was signed on February 6, 1840, is kept at Archives New Zealand in Wellington, with eight copies that have survived from around the country.

* * *

Where does the Treaty stand today?
The Waitangi Tribunal was set up by the Labour Government in 1975 under the Treaty of Waitangi Act. It studies claims about what the Government did in the past or is doing that is not good for Maori.

If the tribunal decides that the Government broke a promise made in the treaty, it will suggest how things can be rectified.

The claims can be about land, fishing laws, the Maori language, education and environmental pollution, etc.

The tribunal has set itself the goal of having all historical claims settled by 2010 and all generic claims by 2012.

* * *

What commemorations happen on the day?
Waitangi Day has been commemorated since Governor-General Bledisloe gave the Treaty House and grounds in Waitangi to the nation in 1932. Two years later his gift was marked by celebrations and a pattern of yearly events developed.

The Waitangi Day Act was passed in 1960, which stated that February 6 be set aside to be celebrated throughout the country as a national day of thanksgiving to honour the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

In 1974 the day was made a public holiday and renamed New Zealand Day but reverted to Waitangi Day in 1976. There has been a dawn service held on the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi followed by a number of events ever since.

If it is fine up to 30,000 visitors are expected on the Treaty Grounds this year. Last year a record 23,500 attended. A function is also held at Government House in Wellington.