We are continually having it forced down our throats that the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1841, is the founding document of New Zealand.
However, I beg to differ. For, according to the official NZ history I have read, the following applies.
The declaration of ‘Independence of NZ' was signed in October 1835 by 35 Northern Maori chiefs under the title of ‘United Tribes of NZ', six years before the signing of the Treaty.
This declaration was recognised and ratified by King William IV of the United Kingdom in 1836. To my mind this is the original and correct founding document of NZ.
Roger Bailey, Papamoa.
1 comment
Only Northern Maori
Posted on 30-08-2013 19:14 | By Te Ponui
haha, let them speak for themselves. However, the D Of I would cement Maori claims of Tino Rangatiratanga. Perhaps it should be considered the rightful founding document as you say.
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