What is Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi commonly described as?

New Zealand's founding document. Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi is widely described as New Zealand's founding document. It was an agreement made in 1840 between the British Crown and many Maori chiefs.

In what year was Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi first signed?

1840. Te Tiriti o Waitangi was first signed in 1840. The first signing took place at Waitangi on 6 February 1840, and copies were later taken around the country.

Where did the first signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi take place?

Waitangi. The first signing took place at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands on 6 February 1840. More signings followed at other places around the country.

Who represented the British Crown at the first signing of the Treaty?

William Hobson. Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson represented the British Crown. He signed the Treaty at Waitangi and later continued the process of obtaining signatures.

Which language version did most Maori chiefs sign in 1840?

The te reo Maori text. Most Maori chiefs signed a te reo Maori version of Te Tiriti. NZ History records that all but 39 signatories signed a Maori-language copy.

What important Maori word appears in Article 2 of Te Tiriti?

Tino rangatiratanga. Article 2 of the Maori text guarantees tino rangatiratanga. This is commonly explained as chieftainship, authority, or the unqualified exercise of authority over lands, villages, and taonga.

What did Article 3 promise Maori?

The Queen's protection and the rights of British subjects. Article 3 promised Maori royal protection and the rights and privileges of British subjects. The Maori text is commonly understood as promising the same rights and duties of citizenship.

What did the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 establish?

The Waitangi Tribunal. The Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 established the Waitangi Tribunal to consider claims about Crown actions or omissions that may breach Treaty principles.

Which three words are often used as a simple summary of Treaty principles?

Partnership, protection, participation. Te Ara notes that people often refer to the three Ps when discussing Treaty principles: partnership, protection, and participation.

Which official citizenship-test topic did govt.nz add to the list of what may be tested?

Te Tiriti o Waitangi - the Treaty of Waitangi. The official govt.nz citizenship-test page now lists Te Tiriti o Waitangi - the Treaty of Waitangi as one of the topics the test will include.

Who translated the draft Treaty into te reo Maori before the first signing?

Henry Williams and Edward Williams. Missionary Henry Williams and his son Edward translated the English draft into te reo Maori. The Maori text was then discussed at Waitangi before the first signing.

About how many Maori chiefs signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi by the end of 1840?

About 540. More than 40 chiefs signed at Waitangi on 6 February 1840. By the end of the year, about 540 chiefs had given their agreement.

How many Treaty sheets are held at Archives New Zealand?

Nine. There are nine Treaty sheets at Archives New Zealand. They include the Waitangi sheet and copies that were taken to other regions for signing.

Which Treaty sheet is the only one written in English?

The Waikato-Manukau Sheet. NZ History identifies the Waikato-Manukau Sheet as the only Treaty sheet written in English. The other Treaty sheets are in te reo Maori.

Where can the original Treaty documents be seen on public display?

He Tohu at the National Library of New Zealand in Wellington. NZ History says the original Treaty is displayed in the He Tohu exhibition at the National Library of New Zealand in Wellington.

In Article 1 of the Maori text, what did chiefs give to the British?

Kawanatanga, or governance. The Waitangi Tribunal explains that in Article 1 of the Maori text, chiefs gave the British kawanatanga, often explained as governance or the right of governance.

In Article 1 of the English text, what did Maori cede to the Queen?

Sovereignty. The English text of Article 1 says that chiefs ceded sovereignty. The Maori text used kawanatanga, which is one reason the two texts have been interpreted differently.

What does Article 2 of the Maori text protect?

Rangatiratanga over lands, villages, and taonga. The contemporary translation on the Waitangi Tribunal site explains Article 2 as protecting chieftainship over lands, villages, and treasured things.

In the English text, Article 2 guarantees Maori possession of which things?

Lands, estates, forests, fisheries, and other properties. Article 2 of the English text guarantees full, exclusive, and undisturbed possession of lands, estates, forests, fisheries, and other properties, while Maori wished to retain them.

Why are there continuing debates about the Treaty texts?

The Maori and English texts are not exact translations of each other. NZ History explains that the Treaty has two texts and the Maori version is not an exact translation of the English version. The differences are central to later debate and interpretation.

Who has exclusive authority under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 to determine the meaning and effect of the Treaty?

The Waitangi Tribunal. NZ History explains that, under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, the Waitangi Tribunal has exclusive authority to determine the meaning and effect of the Treaty as embodied in the two texts.

Is the Treaty automatically part of New Zealand domestic law in every situation?

No, not unless its principles are referred to in Acts of Parliament. NZ History explains that the Treaty is not generally considered part of domestic law except where its principles are referred to in Acts of Parliament.

What kind of body is the Waitangi Tribunal?

A standing commission of inquiry. The Waitangi Tribunal describes itself as a standing commission of inquiry. Its role is to inquire into claims about Crown acts or omissions and Treaty principles.

What does the Waitangi Tribunal examine when it hears Maori Treaty claims?

Whether Crown acts or omissions are inconsistent with Treaty principles. The Tribunal must determine whether Crown actions or omissions were or are inconsistent with the principles of the Treaty.

Since 1985, what historical period can the Waitangi Tribunal consider for many claims?

Crown acts and omissions dating back to 1840. NZ History explains that since 1985 the Tribunal has been able to consider Crown acts and omissions dating back to 1840.

What does the principle of partnership generally require of Maori and the Crown?

Acting towards each other reasonably and with good faith. Te Ara explains that partnership means Maori and the Crown should act towards each other reasonably and with utmost good faith.

What is meant by active Crown protection in Treaty principles?

The Crown must take active steps to protect Maori interests where Treaty rights are involved. Te Ara describes active Crown protection as more than passive non-interference. It can require active steps to protect Maori Treaty rights and interests.

Which statement about the Crown's right to govern is most accurate in Treaty principles?

Treaty principles recognise a right to govern, while also requiring Treaty obligations to be honoured. Te Ara notes that courts have recognised the Crown's right to govern, while also identifying duties such as good faith, active protection, and informed decisions.

What is the Treaty principle of consultation generally about?

Treaty partners discussing issues in good faith before important decisions are made. Te Ara explains that the consultation principle developed over time and relates to Treaty partners acting reasonably and in good faith when decisions affect Treaty interests.

Why did some chiefs sign Te Tiriti, according to Te Ara's summary?

They wanted controls on land sales and settlers, trade, and a relationship that could reduce conflict. Te Ara says reasons for signing included wanting controls on land sales and European settlers, wanting trade, and believing the relationship with Britain might stop fighting between tribes.

Why did some chiefs not sign Te Tiriti?

Some feared losing independence and power, and some never had the opportunity to sign. Te Ara explains that some chiefs who did not sign were concerned about losing independence and power, while others never had the opportunity because the Treaty was not taken to every region.

What did Hobson reportedly say to each chief after signing at Waitangi?

He iwi tahi tatou. NZ History records that each signing was followed by Hobson's greeting, "He iwi tahi tatou", commonly translated as "We are one people."

What happened to Treaty copies after the first signing at Waitangi?

Copies were taken around New Zealand for more chiefs to sign. After the first signing, copies of the Treaty circulated around New Zealand. Signings took place between February and September 1840.

What does "taonga" refer to in Treaty discussions?

Treasures, which can include intangible things. NZ History explains that the Maori text guaranteed tino rangatiratanga over taonga, or treasures, which may be intangible as well as physical.

Which Act first referred to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi?

Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975. Te Ara states that the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 was the first law to refer to the principles of the Treaty.

What does the Waitangi Tribunal do if it finds that the Crown broke a Treaty promise?

It can suggest how the Crown could put things right. The Waitangi Tribunal's education material explains that when it finds a Treaty promise was broken, it suggests how the Government could put things right. In some cases, recommendations can be binding.

In Treaty settlement processes, who is the claim usually against?

The Crown or government, not ordinary people currently living on the land. Waitangi Tribunal education material explains that Treaty claims are against the Government or Crown actions, not against non-Maori people currently living on land.

Why was "sovereignty" difficult to translate into te reo Maori in 1840?

It had no direct equivalent in the context of Maori society at the time. The Waitangi Tribunal notes that sovereignty had no direct equivalent in the context of Maori society. Rangatira exercised authority over their own people, lands, and resources rather than under one central sovereign.

In the English text, what did the Crown's "exclusive right of pre-emption" mean?

Only the Crown could buy Maori land that owners wished to sell. The Waitangi Tribunal explains pre-emption as the Crown's exclusive right to purchase land from Maori. The Maori text and English text have been interpreted differently on this point.

Legally, how many Treaties are there despite the differences between the texts?

One Treaty. NZ History states that legally there is one Treaty, despite differences between the Maori and English texts. Interpretation must take account of both texts.

Which statement best describes Treaty principles?

There is no final and complete list; they have developed through laws, courts, and Tribunal findings. Te Ara explains that there is no final and complete list of Treaty principles. Principles have developed through legislation, court cases, Waitangi Tribunal findings, and government statements.

In the 1987 Lands case, which duty was identified as a Treaty principle?

The duty to act reasonably and in good faith. Te Ara summarises the 1987 Lands case as identifying several principles, including the duty for Treaty partners to act reasonably and in good faith.

Which Treaty principle is about government making sure it has enough information before decisions affecting Treaty interests?

The informed decision-making principle. Te Ara explains that the 1987 Lands case included a principle that government should make informed decisions when Treaty interests are involved.

Which Treaty principle concerns putting right past Crown breaches where claims have merit?

Redress or remedy for past grievances. Te Ara summarises a principle that the Crown should provide some form of redress where the Waitangi Tribunal finds merit in a claim, unless special circumstances justify withholding it.

What does the Treaty principle of options mean?

Maori should be able to choose to operate in te ao Maori, the wider New Zealand system, or both. Te Ara explains the principle of options as protecting both traditional Maori rights and the rights of British subjects, allowing Maori to choose their own direction.

About how many signing meetings took place between February and September 1840?

About 50. NZ History says the Treaty was explained and signed at about 50 meetings from the far north of the North Island to Ruapuke Island in Foveaux Strait.

What was the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand in relation to many early Treaty signatories?

About half of the 6 February signatories had also signed it. NZ History notes that about half of the signatories on 6 February 1840 had also signed He Whakaputanga, the Declaration of Independence.

Why do many laws refer to Treaty "principles" rather than only quoting the Treaty text?

The Maori and English texts are not direct translations, so principles help bridge interpretation. Te Ara explains that official documents often refer to principles because the English and Maori versions are not direct translations, which creates interpretation issues.

Which 1986 Act says nothing in it permits the Crown to act inconsistently with Treaty principles?

State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986. Te Ara lists the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986 as an example of legislation that refers to Treaty principles and prevents the Crown acting inconsistently with them.

Which 1987 Act must be interpreted and administered to give effect to Treaty principles?

Conservation Act 1987. Te Ara gives the Conservation Act 1987 as an example of a law that must be interpreted and administered to give effect to Treaty principles.

Topic · 50 practice questions

Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi

Last updated 7 October 2026

Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi is one of the topic areas govt.nz lists for the New Zealand citizenship test. It covers the 1840 agreement between Maori chiefs and the British Crown, the different Maori and English texts, the three articles, Treaty principles, and the role of the Waitangi Tribunal. The questions below are practice questions written from publicly available government and official educational sources. They are not the real test.

Take the practice quiz

Free · 20 random questions · no signup

What this topic covers

The first signing at Waitangi on 6 February 1840
The Maori and English texts and why they are interpreted differently
The three articles: kawanatanga, rangatiratanga, property, and rights
Treaty principles including partnership, protection, participation, and good faith
The Waitangi Tribunal and how Treaty claims are considered

Note: These questions are unofficial and written from publicly available sources such as govt.nz, NZ History, Te Ara, the Waitangi Tribunal, and legislation.govt.nz. The Department of Internal Affairs has not yet released the official study guide.

Practice questions (50)

Question 1

What is Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi commonly described as?
- A New Zealand's founding document Correct
- B New Zealand's annual Budget statement
- C The law that sets the voting age
- D The document that created the United Nations
Why

Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi is widely described as New Zealand's founding document. It was an agreement made in 1840 between the British Crown and many Maori chiefs.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 2

In what year was Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi first signed?
- A 1769
- B 1840 Correct
- C 1893
- D 1975
Why

Te Tiriti o Waitangi was first signed in 1840. The first signing took place at Waitangi on 6 February 1840, and copies were later taken around the country.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 3

Where did the first signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi take place?
- A Wellington
- B Waitangi Correct
- C Christchurch
- D Dunedin
Why

The first signing took place at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands on 6 February 1840. More signings followed at other places around the country.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 4

Who represented the British Crown at the first signing of the Treaty?
- A William Hobson Correct
- B James Cook
- C Richard Seddon
- D Edmund Hillary
Why

Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson represented the British Crown. He signed the Treaty at Waitangi and later continued the process of obtaining signatures.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 5

Which language version did most Maori chiefs sign in 1840?
- A The te reo Maori text Correct
- B The Latin text
- C The French text
- D The modern English translation
Why

Most Maori chiefs signed a te reo Maori version of Te Tiriti. NZ History records that all but 39 signatories signed a Maori-language copy.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 6

What important Maori word appears in Article 2 of Te Tiriti?
- A Tino rangatiratanga Correct
- B GST
- C Cabinet
- D Referendum
Why

Article 2 of the Maori text guarantees tino rangatiratanga. This is commonly explained as chieftainship, authority, or the unqualified exercise of authority over lands, villages, and taonga.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 7

What did Article 3 promise Maori?
- A The Queen's protection and the rights of British subjects Correct
- B A separate passport for each iwi
- C Automatic ownership of all public roads
- D Seats in Cabinet for every chief
Why

Article 3 promised Maori royal protection and the rights and privileges of British subjects. The Maori text is commonly understood as promising the same rights and duties of citizenship.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 8

What did the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 establish?
- A The Waitangi Tribunal Correct
- B The Electoral Commission
- C The Supreme Court
- D The Reserve Bank
Why

The Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 established the Waitangi Tribunal to consider claims about Crown actions or omissions that may breach Treaty principles.

Source: www.legislation.govt.nz
Question 9

Which three words are often used as a simple summary of Treaty principles?
- A Partnership, protection, participation Correct
- B Punishment, prosecution, prison
- C Passport, police, Parliament
- D Province, property, purchase
Why

Te Ara notes that people often refer to the three Ps when discussing Treaty principles: partnership, protection, and participation.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 10

Which official citizenship-test topic did govt.nz add to the list of what may be tested?
- A Te Tiriti o Waitangi - the Treaty of Waitangi Correct
- B The road code for heavy trucks
- C Advanced company accounting
- D Australian federal history
Why

The official govt.nz citizenship-test page now lists Te Tiriti o Waitangi - the Treaty of Waitangi as one of the topics the test will include.

Source: www.govt.nz
Question 11 · medium

Who translated the draft Treaty into te reo Maori before the first signing?
- A Henry Williams and Edward Williams Correct
- B Kate Sheppard and Meri Te Tai Mangakahia
- C Peter Fraser and Apirana Ngata
- D Governor Grey and Julius Vogel
Why

Missionary Henry Williams and his son Edward translated the English draft into te reo Maori. The Maori text was then discussed at Waitangi before the first signing.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 12 · medium

About how many Maori chiefs signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi by the end of 1840?
- A About 40
- B About 120
- C About 540 Correct
- D More than 10,000
Why

More than 40 chiefs signed at Waitangi on 6 February 1840. By the end of the year, about 540 chiefs had given their agreement.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 13 · medium

How many Treaty sheets are held at Archives New Zealand?
- A One
- B Three
- C Nine Correct
- D Twenty
Why

There are nine Treaty sheets at Archives New Zealand. They include the Waitangi sheet and copies that were taken to other regions for signing.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 14 · medium

Which Treaty sheet is the only one written in English?
- A The Waikato-Manukau Sheet Correct
- B The Tauranga Sheet
- C The Waitangi Sheet
- D The East Coast Sheet
Why

NZ History identifies the Waikato-Manukau Sheet as the only Treaty sheet written in English. The other Treaty sheets are in te reo Maori.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 15 · medium

Where can the original Treaty documents be seen on public display?
- A He Tohu at the National Library of New Zealand in Wellington Correct
- B The Auckland War Memorial Museum only
- C Every local council office
- D The Beehive Cabinet room
Why

NZ History says the original Treaty is displayed in the He Tohu exhibition at the National Library of New Zealand in Wellington.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 16 · medium

In Article 1 of the Maori text, what did chiefs give to the British?
- A Kawanatanga, or governance Correct
- B Ownership of all Maori homes
- C Control of every marae in New Zealand
- D The right to abolish all hapu
Why

The Waitangi Tribunal explains that in Article 1 of the Maori text, chiefs gave the British kawanatanga, often explained as governance or the right of governance.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 17 · medium

In Article 1 of the English text, what did Maori cede to the Queen?
- A Sovereignty Correct
- B The right to vote in Parliament
- C The title of Prime Minister
- D Ownership of every church building
Why

The English text of Article 1 says that chiefs ceded sovereignty. The Maori text used kawanatanga, which is one reason the two texts have been interpreted differently.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 18 · medium

What does Article 2 of the Maori text protect?
- A Rangatiratanga over lands, villages, and taonga Correct
- B The right of only the Crown to vote
- C The power of local councils to set income tax
- D A duty for all chiefs to move to Auckland
Why

The contemporary translation on the Waitangi Tribunal site explains Article 2 as protecting chieftainship over lands, villages, and treasured things.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 19 · medium

In the English text, Article 2 guarantees Maori possession of which things?
- A Lands, estates, forests, fisheries, and other properties Correct
- B Only imported goods from Britain
- C All future government tax revenue
- D Every ship entering New Zealand waters
Why

Article 2 of the English text guarantees full, exclusive, and undisturbed possession of lands, estates, forests, fisheries, and other properties, while Maori wished to retain them.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 20 · medium

Why are there continuing debates about the Treaty texts?
- A The Maori and English texts are not exact translations of each other Correct
- B The Treaty was written only as a poem
- C The Treaty was signed after New Zealand became a republic
- D The Treaty has never been kept in an archive
Why

NZ History explains that the Treaty has two texts and the Maori version is not an exact translation of the English version. The differences are central to later debate and interpretation.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 21 · medium

Who has exclusive authority under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 to determine the meaning and effect of the Treaty?
- A The Waitangi Tribunal Correct
- B Inland Revenue
- C The Electoral Commission
- D The Reserve Bank
Why

NZ History explains that, under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, the Waitangi Tribunal has exclusive authority to determine the meaning and effect of the Treaty as embodied in the two texts.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 22 · medium

Is the Treaty automatically part of New Zealand domestic law in every situation?
- A No, not unless its principles are referred to in Acts of Parliament Correct
- B Yes, it automatically overrides every Act of Parliament
- C Yes, but only for immigration law
- D No, it stopped having any relevance after 1840
Why

NZ History explains that the Treaty is not generally considered part of domestic law except where its principles are referred to in Acts of Parliament.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 23 · medium

What kind of body is the Waitangi Tribunal?
- A A standing commission of inquiry Correct
- B A political party in Parliament
- C A private company that sells land
- D A local council committee for Wellington only
Why

The Waitangi Tribunal describes itself as a standing commission of inquiry. Its role is to inquire into claims about Crown acts or omissions and Treaty principles.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 24 · medium

What does the Waitangi Tribunal examine when it hears Maori Treaty claims?
- A Whether Crown acts or omissions are inconsistent with Treaty principles Correct
- B Whether private citizens have paid their income tax on time
- C Whether local sports clubs have enough members
- D Whether overseas countries have copied New Zealand laws
Why

The Tribunal must determine whether Crown actions or omissions were or are inconsistent with the principles of the Treaty.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 25 · medium

Since 1985, what historical period can the Waitangi Tribunal consider for many claims?
- A Crown acts and omissions dating back to 1840 Correct
- B Only events after 2000
- C Only events from the previous calendar year
- D Only events before Europeans arrived
Why

NZ History explains that since 1985 the Tribunal has been able to consider Crown acts and omissions dating back to 1840.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 26 · medium

What does the principle of partnership generally require of Maori and the Crown?
- A Acting towards each other reasonably and with good faith Correct
- B Avoiding all communication with each other
- C Making every government decision by national referendum
- D Replacing Parliament with the Waitangi Tribunal
Why

Te Ara explains that partnership means Maori and the Crown should act towards each other reasonably and with utmost good faith.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 27 · medium

What is meant by active Crown protection in Treaty principles?
- A The Crown must take active steps to protect Maori interests where Treaty rights are involved Correct
- B The Crown can ignore Treaty issues as long as no one complains
- C The Crown must prevent Maori from speaking te reo Maori
- D The Crown must sell all public land to private buyers
Why

Te Ara describes active Crown protection as more than passive non-interference. It can require active steps to protect Maori Treaty rights and interests.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 28 · medium

Which statement about the Crown's right to govern is most accurate in Treaty principles?
- A Treaty principles recognise a right to govern, while also requiring Treaty obligations to be honoured Correct
- B Treaty principles say New Zealand cannot have any elected government
- C Treaty principles give every government unlimited power to ignore Maori interests
- D Treaty principles apply only to private businesses, not the Crown
Why

Te Ara notes that courts have recognised the Crown's right to govern, while also identifying duties such as good faith, active protection, and informed decisions.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 29 · medium

What is the Treaty principle of consultation generally about?
- A Treaty partners discussing issues in good faith before important decisions are made Correct
- B Requiring every citizen to attend a court hearing
- C Letting only the Governor-General speak in Parliament
- D Publishing the Budget in exactly three languages
Why

Te Ara explains that the consultation principle developed over time and relates to Treaty partners acting reasonably and in good faith when decisions affect Treaty interests.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 30 · medium

Why did some chiefs sign Te Tiriti, according to Te Ara's summary?
- A They wanted controls on land sales and settlers, trade, and a relationship that could reduce conflict Correct
- B They wanted to abolish all hapu immediately
- C They wanted to move the capital to London
- D They wanted to end all trade with Europeans
Why

Te Ara says reasons for signing included wanting controls on land sales and European settlers, wanting trade, and believing the relationship with Britain might stop fighting between tribes.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 31 · medium

Why did some chiefs not sign Te Tiriti?
- A Some feared losing independence and power, and some never had the opportunity to sign Correct
- B The Treaty was not translated into any language
- C The Treaty was available only after 1975
- D Every chief was required by law to sign it
Why

Te Ara explains that some chiefs who did not sign were concerned about losing independence and power, while others never had the opportunity because the Treaty was not taken to every region.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 32 · medium

What did Hobson reportedly say to each chief after signing at Waitangi?
- A He iwi tahi tatou Correct
- B God defend New Zealand
- C Kia kaha te kapa
- D Advance Australia Fair
Why

NZ History records that each signing was followed by Hobson's greeting, "He iwi tahi tatou", commonly translated as "We are one people."

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 33 · medium

What happened to Treaty copies after the first signing at Waitangi?
- A Copies were taken around New Zealand for more chiefs to sign Correct
- B They were immediately destroyed
- C They were sent only to Australia and never returned
- D They were locked away before anyone else could see them
Why

After the first signing, copies of the Treaty circulated around New Zealand. Signings took place between February and September 1840.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 34 · medium

What does "taonga" refer to in Treaty discussions?
- A Treasures, which can include intangible things Correct
- B Only modern bank notes
- C A kind of voting paper
- D A court fine for traffic offences
Why

NZ History explains that the Maori text guaranteed tino rangatiratanga over taonga, or treasures, which may be intangible as well as physical.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 35 · medium

Which Act first referred to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi?
- A Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 Correct
- B Electoral Act 1993
- C Privacy Act 2020
- D Companies Act 1993
Why

Te Ara states that the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 was the first law to refer to the principles of the Treaty.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 36 · medium

What does the Waitangi Tribunal do if it finds that the Crown broke a Treaty promise?
- A It can suggest how the Crown could put things right Correct
- B It automatically sends every Minister to prison
- C It changes the voting age by itself
- D It becomes the Government for one year
Why

The Waitangi Tribunal's education material explains that when it finds a Treaty promise was broken, it suggests how the Government could put things right. In some cases, recommendations can be binding.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 37 · medium

In Treaty settlement processes, who is the claim usually against?
- A The Crown or government, not ordinary people currently living on the land Correct
- B Every person who lives in New Zealand
- C Only local sports clubs
- D Foreign governments only
Why

Waitangi Tribunal education material explains that Treaty claims are against the Government or Crown actions, not against non-Maori people currently living on land.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 38 · hard

Why was "sovereignty" difficult to translate into te reo Maori in 1840?
- A It had no direct equivalent in the context of Maori society at the time Correct
- B It was illegal to write political words in te reo Maori
- C The translators did not know any te reo Maori
- D Maori society already had a single national king with the same powers
Why

The Waitangi Tribunal notes that sovereignty had no direct equivalent in the context of Maori society. Rangatira exercised authority over their own people, lands, and resources rather than under one central sovereign.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 39 · hard

In the English text, what did the Crown's "exclusive right of pre-emption" mean?
- A Only the Crown could buy Maori land that owners wished to sell Correct
- B Maori could never sell any land under any circumstances
- C Any private settler could take unused land without payment
- D Local councils automatically owned all forest land
Why

The Waitangi Tribunal explains pre-emption as the Crown's exclusive right to purchase land from Maori. The Maori text and English text have been interpreted differently on this point.

Source: www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz
Question 40 · hard

Legally, how many Treaties are there despite the differences between the texts?
- A One Treaty Correct
- B Two separate Treaties with separate courts
- C Three Treaties, one for each article
- D No Treaty after 1975
Why

NZ History states that legally there is one Treaty, despite differences between the Maori and English texts. Interpretation must take account of both texts.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 41 · hard

Which statement best describes Treaty principles?
- A There is no final and complete list; they have developed through laws, courts, and Tribunal findings Correct
- B They are exactly the same as the four electoral principles in the Electoral Act
- C They are a fixed list of 100 rules written in 1840
- D They apply only to private contracts between neighbours
Why

Te Ara explains that there is no final and complete list of Treaty principles. Principles have developed through legislation, court cases, Waitangi Tribunal findings, and government statements.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 42 · hard

In the 1987 Lands case, which duty was identified as a Treaty principle?
- A The duty to act reasonably and in good faith Correct
- B A duty for every person to own land
- C A duty to abolish all state-owned enterprises
- D A duty for the Waitangi Tribunal to write every new law
Why

Te Ara summarises the 1987 Lands case as identifying several principles, including the duty for Treaty partners to act reasonably and in good faith.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 43 · hard

Which Treaty principle is about government making sure it has enough information before decisions affecting Treaty interests?
- A The informed decision-making principle Correct
- B The secret ballot principle
- C The automatic veto principle
- D The postal voting principle
Why

Te Ara explains that the 1987 Lands case included a principle that government should make informed decisions when Treaty interests are involved.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 44 · hard

Which Treaty principle concerns putting right past Crown breaches where claims have merit?
- A Redress or remedy for past grievances Correct
- B Automatic removal of all elected MPs
- C Free passports for every resident
- D A ban on all future legislation
Why

Te Ara summarises a principle that the Crown should provide some form of redress where the Waitangi Tribunal finds merit in a claim, unless special circumstances justify withholding it.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 45 · hard

What does the Treaty principle of options mean?
- A Maori should be able to choose to operate in te ao Maori, the wider New Zealand system, or both Correct
- B Maori must choose only one political party for all time
- C The Crown can choose whether any Treaty obligation exists
- D Every Treaty claim must have exactly four settlement options
Why

Te Ara explains the principle of options as protecting both traditional Maori rights and the rights of British subjects, allowing Maori to choose their own direction.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 46 · hard

About how many signing meetings took place between February and September 1840?
- A About 50 Correct
- B Exactly 2
- C More than 1,000
- D None after Waitangi
Why

NZ History says the Treaty was explained and signed at about 50 meetings from the far north of the North Island to Ruapuke Island in Foveaux Strait.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 47 · hard

What was the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand in relation to many early Treaty signatories?
- A About half of the 6 February signatories had also signed it Correct
- B It was signed only in 1907 after Dominion status
- C It was the Treaty sheet written in English
- D It was a court judgment from 1987
Why

NZ History notes that about half of the signatories on 6 February 1840 had also signed He Whakaputanga, the Declaration of Independence.

Source: nzhistory.govt.nz
Question 48 · hard

Why do many laws refer to Treaty "principles" rather than only quoting the Treaty text?
- A The Maori and English texts are not direct translations, so principles help bridge interpretation Correct
- B The Treaty text was written in invisible ink
- C Parliament is not allowed to mention the Treaty
- D The Treaty has no Maori text
Why

Te Ara explains that official documents often refer to principles because the English and Maori versions are not direct translations, which creates interpretation issues.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 49 · hard

Which 1986 Act says nothing in it permits the Crown to act inconsistently with Treaty principles?
- A State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986 Correct
- B Dog Control Act 1996
- C Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993
- D Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
Why

Te Ara lists the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986 as an example of legislation that refers to Treaty principles and prevents the Crown acting inconsistently with them.

Source: teara.govt.nz
Question 50 · hard

Which 1987 Act must be interpreted and administered to give effect to Treaty principles?
- A Conservation Act 1987 Correct
- B Summary Offences Act 1981
- C Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021
- D Land Transport Act 1998
Why

Te Ara gives the Conservation Act 1987 as an example of a law that must be interpreted and administered to give effect to Treaty principles.

Source: teara.govt.nz

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