Treaty of Waitangi

★ Henry Williams ★




　Henry Williams took an important role in the Treaty of Waitangi. He had translated the English document of the Treaty into Maori with his son.

The Treaty of Waitangi was considered New Zealand's founding document. It was prepared over just a few days in February 1840. The translation was key to getting Maori agreement. The job of translating the document was an important task, but it had to be rushed. They received the document on the evening of 4 February, and it was needed for the meeting of the chiefs on the next day.


Henry Williams used a dialect known as “Missionary Maori”, which was not traditional Maori. He invented some new words to put the ideas into Maori. For example he used the word kawanatanga to describe the British government ruling over New Zealand. The English word is sovereignty. But the Maori were confused by some of the differences of interpretation.

Henry Williams was also involved in explaininf the Treaty to Maori leaders at the meetings with William Hobson at Waitangi.

Early Settlers

Most new settlers came from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

Abel Janszoon Tasman who was first person came to inshore New Zealand from Europe. The purpose of his voyage was management strategy of colonial company. He searched existence of uncharted southern continent.

James cook landed on New Zealand in the 18 century.

Introduction to New Zealand

I have never been to New Zealand.　But I’m interested in New Zealand.　I introduce about the fascination of　New Zealand.
The Population of New Zealand is about only 4 million.
It is small population. New Zealand has some unique culture. There are Maori people in New Zealand. Maori are New Zealand’s indigenous people. The Maori arrived in New Zealand about 1000 years ago. They came from Hawaiki. Today, Maori make up over 14 percent of the population.
Maori culture have a rich and varied such as carving , weaving, kapa, haka, and moko.
Their language and culture has a major impact on all facets of New Zealand life. You can enjoy their culture.