More than 40 Māori chiefs, led by Ngāpuhi’s Hōne Heke Pokai, signed a treaty with the British Crown at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. The Treaty of Waitangi, as it has become known, had been prepared in just a few days.
Missionary Henry Williams and his son Edward translated the English draft into Māori overnight on 4 February. About 500 Māori debated the merits of the document for a day and a night before it was signed on the 6th. By September 1840, another 500 Māori had signed copies of the treaty that were sent around the country.
Read more on NZHistory
Waitangi treaty copy – Political and constitutional timelineTreaty sheets and signing locations – Treaty signatories and signing locationsThe first Waitangi Day – Waitangi DayThe Treaty in brief – The Treaty in briefSigning the treaty – Treaty signatories and signing locationsPolitical and constitutional timeline – Political and constitutional timelineWaitangi, home of the Treaty - roadside stories – Waitangi DayHistory of New Zealand, 1769-1914 – A history of New Zealand 1769-1914
External links
- Treaty of Waitangi (Te Ara)
- Introduction to the Treaty (Waitangi Tribunal)
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Archives NZ)
- Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund
How to cite this page
'The Treaty of Waitangi is signed', URL: /the-treaty-of-waitangi-is-signed, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 7-Jan-2016
