The Treaty of Waitangi - Te Tiriti o Waitangi

This is a slim paperback for a weighty subject. Ross Calman provides a simplified overview of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The book is clearly signposted through chapter headings and a timeline. Research sources reference, amongst others, historians Claudia Bell and Vincent O’Malley. Additionally, sources include Waitangi Tribunal, Te Papa, National Library and Archives.

Calman introduces Te Tiriti by acknowledging historians “put a different spin on the story they tell” and offers three versions: “a noble attempt by Britain to takeover a country peacefully”, “a deception to trick Māori out of their lands” and “Te Tiriti upholds Māori sovereignty, guaranteeing Māori control over their lands, resources, taonga…”. By acknowledging these versions with back stories to British colonisation, Calman is able to progress a simplified timeline (1800s to 2024) of Te Tiriti events that explore parallel threads, tensions and outcomes over this document.

Treaty interpretation, conflicts, land claims, settlements, criticism and protests form the narrative up to 2024. Te Tiriti is embedded in language/art/ culture - every aspect of Aotearoa life. The reader has a clear view of how current protests evolved against Government proposed legislation changes. Summarising, Calman briefly explores a future underpinned by Te Tiriti, advocating for fairness, equity and Te Reo.

An Oratia NZ series publication, The Treaty of Waitangi displays a clear appealing layout, text boxes, simplified language, colour pictures, maps and original document images (e.g. 1835 Declaration of Independence and 1840 Te Tiriti o Waitangi). The Treaty overview will be useful for intermediate or secondary students.