Footsteps of a Nation

Social Studies Online

And/or the Introduction to the Treaty.

Terms used in the Treaty

In pairs or small groups (or as a class if appropriate) read the three versions of the treaty: English version, Maori version and modern English translation of the Maori version at NZGO: The Treaty of Waitangi.

Find the meanings to these words and complete the table below: (use this online dictionary to help you, as well as the footnotes in the Treaty text).

English/Maori Term	Definition
Rangatiratanga (Maori preamble)
sovereign authority (English preamble)
ceded (English preamble)
Kawanatanga (Ko te tuatahi)
cede...without reservation (Article the first)
sovereignty (Article the first)
tino Rangatiratanga (Ko te tuarua)
exclusive right of Pre-emption (Article the second)
hokonga (Ko te tuarua)
tikanga (Ko te tuatoru)

How was The Treaty viewed at the time?
What did Maori believe that signing Te Tiriti had guaranteed them?
What did the British Crown believe signing The Treaty guaranteed it?

In pairs students complete the Star Diagram summarising The Meaning of the Treaty.

The Principles of the Treaty
The Waitangi Tribunal believes that the principles of the Treaty should guide both Crown and Maori actions. In other words the principles of Te Tiriti are the key to relationships between the Crown and Maori.

What are these principles?
Students construct their own Star Diagram illustrating (in their own words and using symbols) five of these basic principles.

Perception Check
As this could be described as the crux of The Treaty Issue today, it is essential that students grasp the meaning of each part of Te Tiriti and understand the concept of Principles of the Treaty.

Students PAIR up and discuss their Star Diagrams with each other. Two pairs then join up and SHARE their understandings. While this is happening the teacher engages in a cruise and peruse, listening to the group discussions, identifying misunderstandings, checking the Star Diagrams for accuracy.