But this summary outlines what Maori people thought in 1860.
It seems to me that Maori leaders:
* Fully understood what national sovereignty (Kawanatanga) meant.
* Embraced the rule of the Queen, the Governor and the Pakeha.
* Were happy with what colonisation had brought them.
* Wanted English law, not Maori customary law.
* Wanted the union of two races, not separation.
* Wanted to be included in the councils of the European.
Maori asked for English leadership because of continual tribal warfare…. “We cannot govern ourselves without continuous warfare. Be father to us” said Tamati Waka Nene.
This does not sound like a request for partnership or co-governance. A system of Maori local rule was suggested (Kaiwhakawa) but rejected by Maori.
The endorsement of the Treaty of Waitangi by Maori chiefs 20 years later at Kohimarama, Auckland
Introduction
In 1860, 20 years after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, Governor Gore-Browne convened a meeting of Maori Chiefs to “Discuss various matters connected to the welfare and advancement of the two races dwelling in New Zealand.”
In his opening address he outlined the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi and asked if they had any grievances.
He referred to rumours that some tribes to the south of Auckland wished to throw off their allegiance to the Sovereign and set up a Maori King and declare themselves to be an independent nation and forcibly subject other tribes to their rule.
He said this would result in great evil to the native race in New Zealand.
He said you have been invited to unite with the colonists and become one people under one law and not become separate or distinct. He said it is important that Maori learn English so they can participate in the English councils and so that language should not be a barrier between European and Maori.
He then left the meeting and the meeting was thenceforth chaired by Native Minister Donald McLean.
What the Maori chiefs said:
*English sovereignty not partnership
Paora Tuhaere said: “I want the laws of England. The best riches for us are the laws of England. I commend the Queen and the Governor for thereby do we, both Pakeha and Maori reap good. The greatest of evils is war.”
Thomas Walker Nene said: “Let us have the English to protect us. Let this Governor be our Governor and this Queen be our Queen. I know no sovereign but the Queen and I shall never know any other.”
Hemi Matini Nera said: “All I desire is to is to live on terms of friendship with the Governor and the Queen. The Governors brought good things to this Island. Under the old law we perished, under the present law we live. I shall not join that evil Maori King movement.”
Hamiora Tu said: “I consider the Queen and the Governor my parents. The Governor must suppress evil in whatever tribe it might be.”
Te Makarini said: “The tribes are all true to the Queen. Let there be peace.”
Tohi said: “Let the Queen be above all. The words of the governor are good.”
Hoani Wiremu Hipango said: “Let the Laws be made known in every place that men may honour them. I want you to prepare a law for me now. I want to see the Maori and Pakeha united.”
Karaitiana said: “You and your people shall be the elder brother, and I shall be the younger. If evil takes place, there will be no home for you and there will be no elder brother for me.”
Ngahuruhuru said: “I belong to the mana of the Queen, to the mana of the Governor. As to the setting up of a King. Not that!”
Tamati Aramoana said: “I am forever joined to the Queen. I have sent to the Queen my token of allegiance – a greenstone mere.”
Te Kihirini said: “The new Law is good. Now, murder was a cause for contention and fighting in olden times. When the pa was captured, 100 persons died for the sin of one man. At the present time, the life of the murderer is the atonement for his guilt.”
*Union of races, not separatism
Parakaia Te Pouepa said: “Let the Queen bind us together as a bundle. Let God keep us together. Don’t turn back.”
Matene Te Whiwhi said: “Our races should become united under the Queen. Let there be one sovereign for us, even the Queen.”
Hori Kingi Tahua said: “We erected the flagstaff at Maika and called it the union of two nations.” (Whakakotahitangata)
Mangonui said: “The speech regarding the flag is correct. What I desire is the union of the European and Maori races.”
*Material benefits of the Treaty
Rihari said: “In former times, the Maori was poor. Since the arrival of the Pakeha he has become rich.”
Te Kihirini said: “My reason for liking the Europeans is that they bring garments and mills” (flax mills and flour mills).
Tamati Waaka Nene: “Let me remind you that my wife does not know how to weave garments. Therefore, I say - Let the Europeans weave garments for me and I in consequence will be kind to the Europeans.”
Comment
*Kwanatanga and Rangatiratanga
It is quite clear from these statements that Maori wanted British rule(Kawanatanga). They wanted the British to rule the country and to make laws. The Maori also wanted to be equal with the Europeans and were against separatism.
The treaty was first written in English by Hobson and Busby and then translated into Maori by the Reverend Henry Williams and his son. Rangatiratanga was the word used for possessions and this was confirmed in 1922 by Sir Apirana Ngata in his booklet, The Treaty of Waitangi – An Explanation (Page 9). Rangatiratanga does NOT mean chieftainship.
These facts should be widely promoted and should be part of our school history curriculum.
To read the full transcript (about 40 pages) google “The proceedings of the Conference of Maori Chiefs at Kohimarama, Auckland, 1860 .”
Chris Barber is a retired teacher with a special interest in the Treaty of Waitangi and the way it is taught in schools.
1 comment:
Is it any wonder NZer's are becoming more and more frustrated with the lack of leadership shown by Luxon?
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