Notes

In 1840, over 500 Maori leaders put their names to a significant new document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi or the Treaty of Waitangi. Through their signatures, moko or marks, they were making an agreement with the British Crown, represented by Consul and Lieutenant Governor William Hobson. At stake was the sovereignty of the country, the governance of the land. The history of this agreement between two peoples made nearly 200 years ago is a remarkable one, told here in rich and compelling detail. The nine sheets of the Treaty are shown, with a vivid account of their signing. Names, iwi and hapū are given for the treaty signatories, along with information about their lives. (Publisher)