Waitangi - What Really Happened: Part 1

Summary

In 1839, Captain William Hobson embarks on a mission to establish a treaty between the British Crown and the native chiefs of New Zealand. Upon arrival, he faces challenges in drafting a treaty that respects the sovereignty of the Māori people while also securing British interests. Amidst political tension and cultural misunderstandings, the urgency to finalize the treaty before the chiefs disperse adds to the complexity of the negotiations.

Takeaways

• 🇬🇧 Captain William Hobson departs from Plymouth, England on August 25th, 1839, with a mission to establish a treaty between the British Crown and the native chiefs of New Zealand.
• 🌊 After a 4-month sea journey, Hobson arrives in Australia and then sets sail for New Zealand, where he is tasked with creating a treaty that could change the status of the land from a native home to a British colony.
• 🏞️ New Zealand in February 1840 is not a British colony but home to the native Tangata whenua people and about 2,000 foreign settlers, including whalers, traders, and missionaries.
• 🤝 The treaty is intended to be a mutual agreement between the British Crown and the native people, but it faces challenges due to cultural differences and the potential for misunderstanding.
• 👤 James Busby is the British resident and representative of the crown in New Zealand, who has been trying to 'civilize' the Maori people for seven years without much success.
• 📖 William Kenzo, a Church missionary Society printer and naturalist, is anxious about the lack of progress on the treaty, reflecting the urgency and importance of the document.
• 🤬 James Stewart, Hobson's private secretary, is described as an immoral swindler with lovely handwriting, adding a touch of irony to the situation.
• 📝 The treaty draft is a source of contention, with Hobson being ill and unable to finalize it, leading to a rush to complete it before the chiefs gather.
• 🌐 The treaty needs to be in a language that the native chiefs can understand, highlighting the importance of translation and cultural understanding in the treaty-making process.
• 👨‍🏫 Reverend Henry Williams, known by the Maori as 'For Eyes', is chosen to translate the treaty, a task that requires not only linguistic skills but also an understanding of cultural nuances.
• 🤔 The script raises questions about the colonial office's instructions, which are described as confusing and ambiguous, potentially affecting the treaty's clarity and fairness.

Q & A

Who was Captain William Hobson and what was his mission?

Captain William Hobson was a British naval officer commissioned to become New Zealand's first governor. His mission was to make a treaty between the British Crown and the native Chiefs of New Zealand.

Why was the Treaty of Waitangi significant?

The Treaty of Waitangi was significant because it was intended to establish a framework for the relationship between the British Crown and the native Māori people, which could potentially change the status of New Zealand from a land of native Māori to a British colony.

What challenges did James Busby face as the British resident and representative of the crown in New Zealand?

James Busby faced challenges such as a lack of troops and means of enforcing his position, as well as dealing with the perception of the Māori as 'savages' and the need to 'civilize' them, which was part of his duties as a representative of the British Empire.

What was the role of Reverend Henry Williams in the context of the treaty?

Reverend Henry Williams, a member of the Church Missionary Society, was chosen to translate the treaty into a language that the native Chiefs could understand, ensuring that the document could be comprehended and potentially signed by them.

Why was the translation of the treaty into the Māori language important?

The translation was important because it was necessary for the Māori Chiefs to understand the terms of the treaty in order to give their informed consent. Without understanding, they could not make a free and intelligent decision to sign the treaty.

What was the situation with the settlers in New Zealand prior to the arrival of Hobson?

Prior to Hobson's arrival, there were approximately 2,000 foreign settlers in New Zealand, including whalers, traders, and missionaries, who lived there by the grace of the local Māori Chiefs, who found some advantage in their presence.

What was the role of William Kenzo, and why was his presence significant?

William Kenzo was a printer and naturalist associated with the Church Missionary Society. His presence was significant because he might have been involved in the documentation and communication of the treaty process.

What was the urgency surrounding the drafting and signing of the treaty?

The urgency was due to the convergence of the native Chiefs as per instructions, and the need to finalize and print the treaty in time for them to review and potentially sign, before they dispersed, which might have made it impossible to gather them again.

What were the instructions from the colonial office regarding the treaty, and why were they problematic?

The instructions from the colonial office were to create a treaty that acknowledged Māori sovereignty while also suggesting they were incompetent to act or deliberate in concert. This was problematic because it created a contradiction, asking for their consent while undermining their capability to give it.

What was the controversy surrounding the character and actions of James Stewart, Freeman?

James Stewart, Freeman, was described as an immoral swindler with lovely handwriting. His rumored actions and character raised questions about his integrity and the trustworthiness of his involvement in the treaty process.

How did the script depict the attitudes towards the Māori people by the British representatives?

The script depicted the British representatives as having a condescending and paternalistic attitude towards the Māori people, viewing them as 'savages' in need of 'civilization' and suggesting they were incapable of understanding or consenting to the treaty.