Reference no: EM132412913

Assessment - The Formation and Meaning of the Treaty

Overview - The first issue to be covered is that of the texts of the Treaty, and their various meanings. Differences between the Maori and English versions of the document will be considered, with a focus on some of the key words in both versions. There will also be some background on how and why the Treaty was formulated. Some of the main points to consider here are the reasons the British had for formulating the Treaty, the significance and meaning of the terms such as 'kawanatanga' 'rangatiratanga', 'sovereignty', and 'governance', and the distinction between the Maori and Pakeha perceptions of the Treaty.

The instructions for the Treaty of Waitangi emerged from the British Colonial Office in the late 1830s. These instructions were then interpreted by the authors of the Treaty, and written as the text of the Treaty in early 1840. Since that time, there has been an enormous amount of debate relating to what the Treaty actually means. In this assessment, you will have the opportunity to explore some of these interpretations, and reach your own conclusions on the meaning of the Treaty.

Method -

Discuss and evaluate some of the aspects of the meaning of the Treaty of Waitangi, focusing on the terms used, and the differences in interpretation that exist.

Write a brief introductory statement approximately 150 words outlining the fact that your essay will be exploring aspects of the formation and meaning of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Write around 1700 words on the details of this topic, including:

- An outline of some of the British intentions for the Treaty.

- A discussion of differences between the Maori and English versions of the Treaty.

- A discussion of the terms 'rangatiratanga', 'kawanatanga', and 'sovereignty'.

- An overview of Maori understandings of the Treaty in 1840.

Finish the essay with a conclusion approximately 150 words which sums up the main points relating to the formation and meaning of the Treaty.

Important note: at least ten published sources are required for this essay. These will mostly be found in journal articles on AUT library or Google Scholar, books, newspaper articles, films, transcripts or recordings of live events, speeches etc. Please google 'published sources' if you are unsure what constitutes a published source. Length: 2000 words plus references.