Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Te Tiriti o Waitangi, signed in 1840, is New Zealand’s founding treaty between Māori iwi (tribes) and the British Crown. It established principles for how the two groups would work together, recognizing Māori land rights and providing protections. The treaty has three main articles addressing governance, land ownership, and Māori rights. While its language is complex and interpretations vary, it remains a key document guiding relationships, legal decisions, and ongoing efforts toward justice and partnership between Māori and New Zealand society.