Declaration of Independence
What does declare mean?
To announce, to say it aloud.
What does independent mean?
Free from control, to not rely on someone else, and not in anyone’s authority.
Which country did Aotearoa begin trading with? Why not other countries?
The French and other countries tried to trade and didn’t go well. It was the British that Māori traded with successfully and peacefully.
What is the Treaty of Waitangi?
A Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February 1840 between the representatives of the British Crown and the Māori chiefs in Waitangi. It takes the name from the place where it was first signed. The main purpose of this treaty was to protect the Māori culture and enable Māori to continue living in New Zealand as Māori. Simultaneously, the Treaty gave the Crown the right to govern the nation and represent the interests of all New Zealanders. This treaty included the 3 principles of partnership, participation, and protection.
However, after the signing of the treaty, the land was lost through a combination of private and Government purchases, outright confiscation, and Native Land Court practices that made it difficult for Māori to maintain their land under traditional ownership structures. Also, there were purchases of Māori land prior to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
The declaration of independence was signed in 1835 by 35 Rangatira (Māori leaders) and four British residents. It proclaimed the sovereign independence of New Zealand before the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.
