1840 AD
Māori Chiefs and the Crown Sign Waitangi
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, became New Zealand's founding document.
- Time period
- 1840 AD
- Region
- New Zealand
- Theme
- Politics
- Civilization
- British Empire
On 6 February 1840, representatives of the British Crown and many Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. The English and Māori versions differed in key terms, especially over sovereignty. The treaty established British governance and remains central to New Zealand law, politics and debates over Māori rights.