History of Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi National Trust estate comprises 506 hectares and includes the site where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed on the 6th of February 1840. The public have access to this important historic site because it was purchased by Lord and Lady Bledisloe in 1932, and gifted to the people of New Zealand in trust. Lord Bledisloe was Governor-General of New Zealand at the time, and he and Lady Bledisloe visited the property at the suggestion of a local lawyer and MP, Vernon Reed. (Reed had been unable to convince successive governments to purchase the land when it came up for sale).

 

After only five years in New Zealand and one visit to Waitangi, the Bledisloes recognised the importance of Waitangi as the birthplace of New Zealand as a nation. In November 1932, a Deed of Trust set out the objectives for a place of historic interest, recreation, enjoyment, and benefit for the people of New Zealand, and for the governance of it. Priority was given to the repair and restoration of the former home of the first British Resident to New Zealand, James Busby and his wife Agnes. Initially called the "Residency" the house was renamed, at the request of Lord Bledisloe, to the Treaty House.

 

The Waitangi National Trust Board was established the same year. Board Members included the Bledisloes, descendents and representatives of people who had signed the Treaty, representatives of the North and South Island people and other prominent New Zealand people. The Board continues to be made up of descendents and representatives of people directly associated with this historic site. The incumbent Governor-General takes the role of Chair of the Board.

The Bledisloe Gift

The Waitangi National Trust estate - New Zealand's most historic site as the 'Birthplace of the Nation' is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on the 6th of February 1840.

Waitangi presents a rare opportunity to experience the place where both Maori and the British Crown signed New Zealand's most significant document the Treaty of Waitangi.

On 10 May 1932, following a visit to Waitangi Lord Bledisloe informed the Prime Minister George Forbes by letter: “I desire formally, on behalf of Her Excellency and myself, to present, through you, to the nation, New Zealand's most historic spot “Waitangi” together with 1000 acres of land belonging to the estate of which it forms part and which we have recently purchased with this object.”

 

In November 1932 a Deed of Trust set out the objectives for the Treaty Grounds which included priority being given to the repair and restoration of the former Residency which, at Lord Bledisloe's request, was now re-named the Treaty House. On the Board of the Waitangi National Trust incorporated by Act of Parliament were the donors, Lord and Lady Bledisloe as life members; Mr Vernon Reed; the Prime Minister Mr Forbes; Alfred Ransom, Minister in charge of the Scenery Preservation Act; Sir Apirana Ngata, the Native Minister; Kenneth Williams, a member of the Williams missionary family, Riri Maihi Kawiti representing the families of Hone Heke, Maihi Kawiti, Tamati Waka Nene and Pomare; the Maori King, Te Rata Mahuta; Sir Robert Heaton Rhodes, representing the people of the South Island; Sir Francis Dillon Bell, representing the family of Edward Gibbon Wakefield, founder of the New Zealand Company, and Mr Gordon Coates, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.

 

On October 28 1932 Sir Apirana Ngata, speaking in the House of Representatives, drew members' attention to the fact that the centenary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi was but eight years off and that consequently a carved meeting house should be built at Waitangi by the Maori people, led appropriately by Ngapuhi, to commemorate the Governor-General's generous gift to the nation. The Whare Runanga and the restored Treaty House were intended to be officially given to the people of New Zealand at the same time, Waitangi Day 6th February 1940.