| THE TREATY OF WAITANGI was signed between certain Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown headed by Hobson. In the English version of the treaty, the Maori ceded sovereignty to the British Crown and gave the British government right of preemption to any land the Maori wished to sell. The British promised to guarantee Maori ownership of lands, fishing grounds, and other items of value. The Maori and English versions of the treaty differed in some significant areas, particularly about whether or not the Maori had intended to cede sovereignty to Britain, contributing to subsequent controversy over the treaty. After copies of the treaty had been sent throughout the country (a number of tribes did not sign), Hobson proclaimed British sovereignty and established the capital at Auckland, becoming the first governor of New Zealand (1840–42). | 2 |
