Adult groups / corporate clients

Empowered by partnership

Understanding the Treaty of Waitangi is essential for modern business and government in New Zealand.

Waitangi National Trust offers the opportunity to up-skill management and staff in the principles of the Treaty and its practical application. Our education specialists will design and deliver easily-understood, customised seminars, exploring the background and relevance of the nation's founding document.

Gain an insight into the events and people leading up to the 1840 signing. Explore the Treaty. Discover the positive benefits of applying its principles today and learn how to embrace its obligations.

Seminar aims:

  • To emphasise the history of Waitangi, the Bay of Islands and nationhood
  • To highlight the key people and events leading to the signing of the Treaty at Waitangi
  • To gain a better understanding of the document signed at Waitangi and highlight the original intent of the signatories
  • To learn about the references in legislation that give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and how these can be applied today
  • To emphasise that learning about the Treaty is a positive and pro-active experience

Seminar elements:

Introduction

Historical perspectives, events and circumstances leading up to the Treaty

Early Maori

  • Maori society prior to European contact
  • Fundamental Maori principles and practices

European arrival

  • Early settlement background
  • Preliminary contact with sealers, whalers, traders, settlers and missionaries

Lead-up to the Treaty of Waitangi

  • Maori and settler concern over land transactions and lawless behaviour
  • Petitions for British protection and concepts of sovereignty
  • Appointment and arrival of the British Resident, James Busby
  • Declaration of Independence and the Confederation of Chiefs of the United Tribes of New Zealand
  • Lieutenant Governor Hobson's arrival
  • Key personalities involved in the Treaty preparation and signing
  • Key events of 5th and 6th February, 1840

The Treaty of Waitangi 1840

Treaty text

  • Maori and English texts
  • Key interpretations of the Articles.

Treaty Intent

  • The essential bargain and intent of the two parties
  • Core concepts
  • The Treaty as a significant document in New Zealand history

The Treaty of Waitangi Today

Implementing Treaty principles

  • Partnership, protection and participation
  • Preserving the spirit of the Treaty
  • Living and working together
  • The Treaty today and where to from here - respecting differences