Reasons for signing the Treaty of Waitangi

Maori signed the Treaty of Waitangi for a variety of reasons. Some chiefs trusted the missionaries who told them that signing the Treaty would be the best thing for the Maori. Other chiefs believed that by signing the Treaty of Waitangi they would enter into an equal partnership between themselves and the British. In general most of the chiefs believed that their mana and rangatiratanga would be kept safe under the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi.

• Read why Maori decided to sign
• See where the Treaty was signed around New Zealand - this is an interactive map that actually goes into a lot of detail.

Reasons for signing the Treaty of Waitangi

Chief A: is friendly with missionaries and listens to them when they say Maori should sign the Treaty.

Chief B: believes the Treaty is a sacred bond between the chiefs and the British Queen.

Chief C: believes his mana and rangatiratanga will be kept safe by the Treaty.

Chief D: is keen to sell land to the Governor for European goods.

Chief E: hopes that the Treaty will bring permanent peace to New Zealand.

Chief F: hopes for material benefits such as more markets for his produce, more goods and more demand for Maori labour.

Chief G: hopes the Treaty will control Europeans who break Maori law and set a bad example to Maori.

Chief H: believes the Queen will be able to control the number of Europeans coming to New Zealand.