Treaty of Waitangi

New Zealand was a new country and a treaty needed to be created. There was a lot of disagreement and conflict between the Maori and early British settlers. The British wanted a civil government formed. The treaty was signed in Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands on February the 6Th 1840.

Last week while we were in class we watched a short re-enactment of the build up to the signing of the treaty. Well the treaty was set up in front of James Busby’s house in Waitangi. The Maori people were having second thoughts about the treaty. When they were ready the Governor and his men came out. James Busby began reading the treaty aloud to the Maori, while Henry Williams translated the English version of the treaty into Maori.

A few people had main jobs during the process of the treaty. Henry Williams was the missionary who translated the treaty from English to Maori. James Busby was helping William Hobson write a draft of the treaty. Hone Heke was one of the main Maori Chiefs who supported the treaty. Lastly William Hobson (Governor)was the person who was in charge of setting up the Treaty of Waitangi. In the treaty there were the 3 main principles which were Participation, Protection and Partnership.

This is how the 3 principles relate to the Pt England Way. Participation means participating in discussions in class. Secondly we always participate in sports with everyone. Lastly we always participate in group tasks and have good bonding. The second principle was Partnership.

When your at Pt England you have to have good relationships between friends. Secondly when you partner up with people you have to have a good working attitude with them. Lastly you also have to communicate positively with the teachers and staff here at school.

In protection , we protect each other from trouble. Secondly you protect yourself and others from bullies or be aware of them. Last but not least you are to help little children that are in trouble, are hurt or lost.

So from this day it is lucky that the treaty was signed or else you couldn't imagine what New Zealand would be like these days. Thanks to the Maoris and the Pakeha New Zealand has peace. It is really good that they had the 3 Principles because that is what helped make this day be real.