People & Places
Trick or Treaty
Michael Hooper, the Communications Advisor at the Waitangi National Trust, answers our questions on the historic New Zealand town of Waitangi
Why is Waitangi often referred to as the 'birthplace of New Zealand'?
The southern hemisphere's tallest naval flagpole, located in the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, marks the place where Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson RN, representing the British Crown, and the first Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi - acknowledged as New Zealand's founding document. On 6 February 1940, on the impressive bluff overlooking the panorama of a bay with 144 islands, some 40 Maori chiefs signed the first copy of The Treaty. Copies were then circulated throughout the land, eventually signed by more than 500 chiefs. This exchange of promises was a political compact to share authority and found a nation-state.
Waitangi is the point of genesis of a bicultural, and later multi-cultural, nation. In Maori it is "Te Pitowhenua" - the Birthplace. It is where all New Zealanders are welcome and where major icons of that historic time remain preserved and on display. It is also a place of education for schools, overseas visitors and study groups who wish to learn about the founding of New Zealand in an unbiased, comprehensive way, through courses on the Treaty, the circumstances in which it evolved, its place today, and the figures of the time it was drafted and signed.
The provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi are still enshrined in the laws of New Zealand today and the Treaty is considered to be an important source of the New Zealand constitution. The printed colour guide to the Treaty Grounds (included in the two-day admission price for overseas guests) includes a copy of the Treaty text. The personable, professional guides are another source of information and many of them will share stories of their own family's history relating to the Treaty. For some of them the Treaty Grounds is their very own Birthplace, literally.
What did the Treaty of Waitangi actually signify for the Maori and new European settlers?
The Treaty was intended by Britain to be an exchange of sovereignty in return for a guarantee of the authority of the chiefs and the protection of Maori land and resource rights. It also extended to Maori the same rights and privileges as British citizens. Until its drafting at the Treaty House on the bluff at Waitangi, British interests in the new colony had been represented by the occupant, James Busby, the first official British Resident. It had become clear that he was unable to exercise adequate authority to control lawless British citizens, ensure Maori welfare, or enforce orderly settlement.
The Treaty created a relationship that protected New Zealand from acquisition by other foreign powers. It provided a governor who could regulate activities of Europeans, especially land buyers. It was intended to bring more markets for Maori produce, more goods to buy and to increase demand for Maori to provide services essential to settlement. It stated the principles to build a functioning government.
Some people consider the Treaty of Waitangi to be controversial. Why?
The Treaty is a living, active document in the nation's affairs, and as such there is continuing discussion about its place and influence. Differences of interpretation between the first English and Maori versions, specifically relating to concepts of sovereignty and governorship, have been identified and remain part of the discussion. There is more emphasis today on the principles of the Treaty that bring all New Zealanders together.
In 1975 the Treaty of Waitangi Act established the Waitangi Tribunal as a means of enquiring into Maori claims relating to breaches of the Treaty. The courts and the Waitangi Tribunal have determined that the principle of partnership includes an obligation on both parties to act reasonably, honourably and in good faith.
At the Treaty Grounds on Waitangi Day it has become customary for some to debate, as well as to commemorate, aspects of the Treaty. The Waitangi National Trust that administers the estate welcomes all New Zealanders, including those who wish to make peaceful protest or engage in oratory and discussion.
How popular a tourist attraction is the Waitangi National Trust and Treaty Grounds?
The Treaty Grounds are consistently rated among New Zealand's top attractions for both international and domestic tourism. In fact, in a nationwide search for the country's most popular historic icon, the Treaty Grounds was voted first equal. Visitor numbers continue to climb annually, with Waitangi Day itself now attracting up to 46,000 people - mainly families - to enjoy the grounds, beaches, walking tracks and historic buildings. With a 506-hectare estate there is always plenty of space and peace.
In the last few years the development of new special interest tours and stage shows has contributed to steady growth in the number of visitors.
What can visitors to the grounds expect to see and do and during a visit?
Visitors from Britain have a special affinity with the Gardens of National Significance which surround the historic Treaty House. The daily personal tours, guided by the gardeners that professionally tend the English flower gardens, are especially popular with Brits. Ramblers are also keen on the one-hour, easy riverside walk through the estate's native forest and wetlands and over boardwalks to the dramatic Haruru Falls.
The fully carved Maori Meeting House (Whare Runanga) is unique in its artistic and authentic carved poles and woven panels, contributed by tribes throughout the land. The world's largest ceremonial war canoe (Waka Taua) is also on display in its shelter by the rolling teal-green waves at the bay where Governor Hobson first came ashore.
There's also a hands-on component to a visit, and many British guests enjoy learning the war dance (Haka) that they may have seen before All Black or football games played by New Zealand teams in the UK. Learning the traditional skill of flax-weaving, discovering Maori song and dance, and even learning about the role that plants play in Maori health and legend - these are all fully engaging activities during a day or two at The Treaty Grounds.
Colonial life in the 1800s is illustrated by the displays and set scenes in the Treaty House, and dramatised in the early evening show Land of Plenty, which may be booked with dinner options.
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