Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi

A Journey Through New Zealand's Founding Document Year 8 Social Studies

What Do You Already Know?

Share your prior knowledge about Te Tiriti o Waitangi Think about: What is it? Why is it important? Who was involved? No wrong answers - just share your thoughts!

Setting the Scene: Aotearoa in 1840

Māori had been living in Aotearoa for hundreds of years European settlers, missionaries, and traders were arriving Different groups had different needs and concerns Tensions were growing - something needed to be done

Key Figures in Te Tiriti

William Hobson - British Governor who represented the Crown Hōne Heke - Influential Māori chief who signed the Treaty Henry Williams - Missionary who helped translate the document Over 500 Māori chiefs signed at different locations

The Journey to Te Tiriti

Think About This...

Why might it be important to have an agreement between two different groups of people? What could happen if there was no agreement? Have you ever made an agreement with someone? How did it help?

Group Investigation Time

Form groups of 4-5 students Discuss: What questions do you have about Te Tiriti? Create 3-5 questions your group wants to explore Think about: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

Looking Forward

"Te Tiriti o Waitangi is not just history - it continues to shape New Zealand today" Next lesson: We'll explore the different versions of the Treaty and what they meant to different people