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The Signing of the Treaty
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on the 6th of February, 1840. It was signed by Governor William Hobson and the Maori chiefs at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. It was seen as a living valid document with a partnership between the British Crown and the Maori people promising the Crown sovereignty and the Maori protection. This lasted around 20 years. -
Constitution Act
The New Zealand Constitution Act was passed meaning that a New Zealand government was created. Part of this Act meant that the Maori laws and customs would prevail but this was never exercised. -
Rules of Treaty are Invalid
C.J Prendergast ruled that the Treaty was invalid as the Maori people were believed to be savages and to have not known what they were signing. After this development, the Treaty Document disappeared for approximately 30 years. -
Treaty Found
The Treaty of Waitangi was discovered in the basement of the Government Buildings in a damaged condition, presumably eaten by rats. -
Treaty Restored
The Treaty was restored and placed in a strong room in an old Government building even though the government continued to ignore and disregard it. -
Petition Signed
Over 30,000 people signed a petition calling for varification of the Treaty of Waitangi. This was presented to Parliament but never acted on. -
Treaty Incorporated
Parliament passes the Treaty of Waitangi Act and established the Waitangi Tribunal. This was the official process in which to deal with Maori claims. -
Waitangi Day
The Waitangi Day Act was passed therefore acknowledging it as a national holiday. -
Treaty Acts
Parliament passed the State Owned Enterprises Act, Conservation Act and Environment Act - complying with the Principles of the Treaty. -
Waitangi Tribunal
All Waitangi Tribunal Rulings must be followed regarding new corporations on land. -
As to Date
As to date our nation is still working through issues relating to the Treaty and particularly the guarantess to Maori, with constant need to revisit and revise many Parliament Acts.
