He Whakaputanga: Declaration of Independence, 1835

Discuss in rōpu the significance of He Whakaputanga.

What is he Whakaputanga?
The declaration of independence of NZ. A document signed by several Maori chiefs in 1835
which asserted the sovereignty of the indigenous Maori people over New Zealand.
Why did this declaration come about?
The British settlers and them increasing in numbers, there was concern of how the Maori
would lose their sovereignty. Protection of Maori rights.
Were Māori naïve to the world of politics?
They had inter-tribal politics, history of dealing with it. In terms of the “Entity of the crown”
they didn’t have the scope of it and didn’t have the same concepts.
How did Māori interact and treat with each other before He Whakaputanga? How did
this shape He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

What did you know about He Whakaputanga prior to this course? What did you learn?
I did not know about it.

Te Tiriti ō Waitangi & The Treaty of Waitangi

Why did Māori sign Te Tiriti ō Waitangi? Why did the crown sign The Treaty of
Waitangi and Te Tiriti ō Waitangi? Were the intentions different?

Why are these two different documents? Which one of these documents was actually
signed and which one does international law recognise?

What are some of the principles of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi? Why do we look at the
principles of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi?

Equity is a principle of Te Tiriti ō Waitangi. What is the difference between equity and
equality?

What did you learn about these two documents that was new to you?
Te Tiriti In Practice

In groups, please discuss ways you think the principles of Te Tiriti can be given effect
within the world of science, whether that be academia, classrooms, science industry, or
government. Some particularly relevant principles are listed below.

Key Principles:
Partnership
Protection
Participation
Sovereignty – data governed by the appropriate group, e.g. species, taonga species of maori,
they have the mana and authority to determine how the data is stored and managed.
Equity