New Zealand Before the Treaty
Year 7 History Learning about Aotearoa before 1840 The story of first contact and early settlement
Learning Intention & Success Criteria
LI: To understand the events and relationships in New Zealand before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed Success Criteria: • Explain when Europeans first arrived and why • Describe the Declaration of Independence 1835 • Understand the challenges leading to the Treaty • Analyze different perspectives of Māori and settlers
Captain Cook Arrives - 1769
Captain James Cook first arrived in New Zealand in 1769 Māori had been living in Aotearoa for 500 years already This was the beginning of European contact More Europeans slowly started arriving after Cook's voyages
Why Did Europeans Come?
1790s: Hunters arrived to catch seals and whales Missionaries came to spread Christianity Traders wanted timber (wood) and flax to sell Each group had different reasons for coming to New Zealand
Think-Pair-Share
How do you think Māori felt about these new arrivals? What challenges might arise when two different cultures meet? Discuss with a partner, then share with the class
Growing Tensions - 1830s
By 1830: Several hundred British settlers in NZ Settlers 'did whatever they wanted' - no clear laws Some wanted British government to rule New Zealand In 1831, 13 Māori chiefs asked the King of England for protection
James Busby and the Declaration
James Busby sent as British ambassador Helped Māori set up proper trade systems 1835: A Frenchman claimed to be chief of Aotearoa! Busby wrote 'He Whakaputanga' - Declaration of Independence 34 chiefs signed in 1835, 18 more signed later
What the Declaration Said
{"left":"New Zealand was an independent nation ruled by Māori\nThe King of England would protect NZ from other countries","right":"Māori would protect British settlers from troublesome people\nSigned by 52 Māori chiefs in total"}
The Rush to Create a Treaty
NZ becoming very popular in Britain People wanted to buy land and sell it for profit British government worried about protecting Māori William Hobson and James Busby wrote treaty in English Henry Williams and son Edward translated to te reo Māori in ONE NIGHT! English version called 'The Treaty', Māori version called 'Te Tiriti'
Story Comprehension Check
Answer these questions in your exercise book: 1. When did Captain Cook arrive and how long had Māori been there? 2. What did settlers do in the 1790s? 3. How long did it take to translate the Treaty? 4. Why might quick translation cause problems? 5. How do you think Māori felt about the Treaty? Extension: Research one of the 52 chiefs who signed He Whakaputanga