Waitangi treaty copy

Use the tool bar at the bottom of this interactive to zoom in and navigate. The drop down menu at the top lists the names of those who signed this copy of the treaty – selecting a name takes you to their signature on the document.

The Waitangi copy of the treaty

The Waitangi copy of the treaty was first signed at Waitangi on 6 February 1840. It was then taken around the Bay of Islands and Hokianga before being sent further afield. It is estimated that about 240 Māori signed this copy, which is in the Māori language.

There are many uncertainties about names, dates of signings and numbers signing at different locations, so it is impossible to give precise figures. Most of the names are from tribes north of Whāngārei and from Tāmaki-makau-rau (Auckland), Waitematā Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. There are conflicting reports of the number who signed at Waitangi on 6 February and immediately after; there may have been 43 (most likely), 45 or 52. Hokianga presents similar problems, as does Waimate North where there was probably only one signing, and not two as sometimes thought.

There are other puzzles. The name of the Ngāpuhi chief Moka Te Kāinga-mataa (No. 30 on the list) is written on this copy of the treaty (in the form, ‘Te tohu o Moka’), but no signature or mark appears alongside it. Moka, therefore, may not have signed the treaty, possibly because of concerns over its impact which he is known to have expressed on 5 February.

On 6 February the sheet had three columns with an estimated 40 signatures or marks. The first chief to sign was Hōne Heke, although his name no longer appears at the top of the treaty. At least 11 chiefs signed with their names, while the others made their marks beside an identifying phrase such as ‘Te tohu o Hori Kingi Warerahi’ (The mark of Hori King Wharerahi).

Seven chiefs signed on 9 February at Te Waimate. Many of the Hokianga chiefs signed with simple crosses on 12 February, when a further column was added. At a signing at either Paihia or Waitangi on 17 February, the marks of the chiefs Kawiti, Te Tirarau and Pōmare were inserted above the name of Hōne Heke.

Just a couple of weeks later there was no more space on the sheet, so Captain Nias of the Herald and Colonial Treasurer George Cooper added a second sheet of parchment at the bottom. The sheet was then used to gather signatures at Kaitāia, Auckland (given as Tāmaki, below) and Russell (Ōkiato). Two women are known to have signed this copy: Ana Hamu (61), the widow of Te Koki who had been patron of the Paihia mission station; and Ereonora (207), the wife of Te Rarawa chief Nōpera Pana-kareao. Koroniria Nuau (211) may also have been a woman.

Information about the signatories

Follow links in this table to find out more about those who signed and the signing occasion.