What did the Treaty say?

What did the Treaty of Waitangi say?

Using the two versions of the Treaty - the Treaty of Waitangi and Te Tiriti o Waitangi - and the main point(s) for each Article, discuss in pairs what the main differences are and then explain them in the following spaces. Then reflect on why you think these differences in perspectives on the Treaty would cause conflict between Māori and Pākehā.

People in our group (names): 

Article 1

Key Differences: 

In the English version of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, article 1, the mutual understanding between the Europeans was that Maori were to give up complete sovereignty, meaning Britain had complete control.

In the Maori translation, this was not the case. They were put under the impression that although Queen Victoria was to be sovereign of New Zealand, the Maori chiefs still had control over their tribes.

Perspectives Causing Conflict: 

As the main idea has been lost through translation, of course both parties would act in a way in which they believe lines up with the treaty. As they unknowingly have two different meanings, Maori continuing to act as if they have control over their tribes may be seen as disobeying the treaty in the eyes of the British.

Article 2

Key Differences: 

In the English version, it was said that Maori could sell land only to the British. However, in the Maori version if the Maori wanted to sell their land they could sell it to whoever they please, but only if they offered  it to the British Crown at an agreed price first.

Perspectives Causing Conflict: 

The British have the understanding that the Maori are to sell their land to them and only them, but the Maori have been given the impression that they can sell to someone else if their first offer to the British Crown doesn’t work out. Because of this, the Maori may sell their land to someone else, (e.g the French or the Americans) defying what they agreed to in the treaty without knowing any better.

Article 3

Key Differences: 

This is the only one of the three articles in which the translations for both languages are consistent. They have the same meanings.

Perspectives Causing Conflict: 

However, this could still cause conflict. This article declared that Maori and Europeans all had the same rights - they were to be treated as equals. Yes, this is definitely a good idea, but it’s unrealistic to think that the British and Maori would immediately treat one another the same as they would their own.