Te Tiriti: New Zealand's Founding Document

Te Tiriti: New Zealand's Founding Document

Understanding our nation's founding treaty Year 8 History/Social Studies 45-minute lesson

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Understand what Te Tiriti o Waitangi is and why it's important Identify the key differences between the Māori and English versions Explain how Te Tiriti affects New Zealand today Show respect for both Māori and Pākehā perspectives

What do you already know?

Think about what you've heard about the Treaty of Waitangi Share one thing you know or think you know No wrong answers - this is about starting our learning journey

Before Te Tiriti: New Zealand in 1840

Māori had lived in Aotearoa for over 600 years European traders, missionaries, and settlers were arriving No formal government or laws between the two groups Conflicts were starting to happen over land and trade

The Signing of Te Tiriti - 6 February 1840

Two Versions, Different Meanings

{"left":"English Version: Māori gave up sovereignty (complete control) to the British Crown\nMāori Version: Māori kept tino rangatiratanga (chiefly authority) over their lands and people\nEnglish Version: British got governance over all of New Zealand","right":"Māori Version: British got kāwanatanga (governorship) - a more limited role\nEnglish Version: Māori became British subjects\nMāori Version: Māori remained autonomous with their own authority"}

The Three Articles Explained

Article 1: About governance and sovereignty Article 2: About Māori rights to their lands and treasures Article 3: About equal rights as British subjects Each article was understood differently by each group

Treaty Detective Activity

Work in pairs to examine treaty scenarios Read each situation and decide: 'What would the English version say?' vs 'What would the Māori version say?' Be ready to explain your reasoning Remember to be respectful of both perspectives

Te Tiriti Today: Why It Still Matters

The Waitangi Tribunal investigates treaty breaches Government policies must consider treaty principles Land settlements continue to address historical injustices Partnership between Māori and Crown is still developing

Reflection and Summary

'He whakatōhea, he whakatōhea' - 'A challenge, a challenge' Te Tiriti challenges us to work together as treaty partners Understanding our history helps us build a better future for all New Zealanders