Lincoln University Digital Dissertation - Lincoln University Research ...

document, that has become a touchstone of the relationship between Maori
and Pakeha (non-Maori), was primarily drafted to legitimise and facilitate land
sales, in which the Crown would be the agent.
While the Treaty may have been primarily to consolidate and control land
purchases from Maori, it has had broader and very significant repercussions
for both Maori and Pakeha, and over a hundred and fifty years later, is
regarded by some New Zealanders as an honourable founding document, by
others as simply erroneous, and by others as exploitation. Certainly, the
Treaty of Waitangi marked a significant point in the history of Maori
development as it formalised the future relationship between Maori and
Pakeha. The Treaty of Waitangi has an important historical context which is
very relevant to contemporary appreciations of Maori sustainable
development. Notably, the treaty has strongly influenced Maori peoples’ ability
to have complete control over and direct self-determined, holistic
development.
The translation of the Treaty in Maori was deemed to convey the meaning of
the English version, but there are important differences. Most significantly, in
Article I of the Maori version the word 'sovereignty' was translated as
'kawanatanga' (governance). This critical terminology meant some Maori
believed they were relinquishing government over their lands but retaining the
right to manage their own affairs. The English version guaranteed
'undisturbed possession' of all their 'properties', but the Maori version
guaranteed 'tino rangatiratanga' (full authority) over 'taonga' – treasures
intangible and tangible (Roskruge, 2006).
The conflicting understandings of the Treaty have long been the subject of
debate. Confusion and disagreement surrounding the various issues and
inconsistencies of the Treaty from the outset of formalised Maori/Pakeha
relations, is a significant consideration which needs to be acknowledged to
appreciate the origins of contemporary Maori sustainable development.
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