This course acquaints students with the historical, social, economic, and political contexts surrounding the Treaty of Waitangi, its signing, interpretation, aftermath, and current relevance. You'll examine the Treaty’s articles, the discrepancies between the Māori and English versions, significant events in colonial and modern history, the function of the Waitangi Tribunal, Treaty settlements, and the Treaty’s impact on current commerce, land management, and society.

Course Content

• Origins and significance of the Treaty of Waitangi

• Historical, social, economic, and political context of the Treaty

• Circumstances of the signing at Waitangi and elsewhere

• Analysis of the Treaty articles and disparities between versions

• Post-Treaty events: wars, legislation, protests, sovereignty, and rights

• Reconciliation, restoration, and the Waitangi Tribunal

• Treaty principles and their relevance to Māori and the Crown

• Treaty settlements

• Contemporary significance: impacts on business, kaitiakitanga, and land management