Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Foundation Stories

Year 9 Social Science Understanding New Zealand's Founding Document NZ Curriculum Refresh

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Understand the historical context of Te Tiriti o Waitangi Explain the different versions and interpretations Analyse the impact on Māori and European relationships Evaluate the ongoing significance today

Success Criteria

I can describe the events leading to Te Tiriti I can explain the differences between Māori and English versions I can discuss the consequences for both cultures I can connect the Treaty to modern New Zealand

What do you already know about Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

Think about what you've heard before Consider why it might be important Share your thoughts with a partner

New Zealand Before 1840

Māori had lived in Aotearoa for over 500 years Complex tribal societies with established tikanga European explorers and traders arriving Growing tensions over land and resources

Two Worlds Colliding

{"left":"Māori society: Collective ownership of land, Oral traditions and tikanga, Tribal governance systems","right":"European society: Individual land ownership, Written laws and contracts, Colonial government structures"}

Timeline Challenge

Work in pairs to arrange key events Events: Cook's voyages, Musket Wars, Missionaries arrive, Busby appointed Discuss: What patterns do you notice?

Why Was a Treaty Needed?

Lawlessness in some settlements Disputes over land sales Māori concerns about sovereignty British desire for legitimate control

The Signing at Waitangi

Two Versions, Two Understandings

'The Māori text and the English text do not say the same thing' - Historian Claudia Orange

Key Differences in Translation

{"left":"English Version: 'Sovereignty' - complete control, 'Property rights' - individual ownership","right":"Māori Version: 'Kāwanatanga' - governance, 'Tino rangatiratanga' - chiefly authority"}

Translation Challenge

Try translating modern concepts into simple language Example: 'Democracy' → 'Everyone gets a say' Discuss: What gets lost in translation?