The Treaty of Waitangi activities - NCEA Level 3 history

New Zealand in the 19th century

The Treaty of Waitangi

Related categories in NZHistory.net.nz relevant to this topic include:

• Treaty of Waitangi
• Pre-1840 contact  

Topics include:

• contact between Europeans and Maori before 1840
• the Treaty in brief
• background to the Treaty
• making the Treaty
• the Treaty itself
• the Treaty in practice
• Treaty FAQs
• Treaty biographies.

The Treaty of Waitangi is central to understanding the broad survey of New Zealand in the 19th century. It represented a significant decision that affected the lives of New Zealanders in this period. Its impact on race relations and the evolution of settler government are major themes in this topic. It also played a significant role in the origins and consequences of the wars fought between 1845–1892.

This feature provides students with a context to prepare for: 

• Achievement standard 3.4: Examine the reasons why the decision was made to present Maori with the Treaty of Waitangi and why many Maori chiefs chose to sign the Treaty of Waitangi.
• Achievement standard 3.3: The Treaty, as a primary document, represents an excellent historical resource that can be used in practice for final assessment.

Some activities to support this study can be found in the navigation to the immediate right.