WHEN NZ BECAME PART OF THE EMPIRE

Taupo Times, Volume 20, Issue 6, 26 January 1971, Page 5

WHEN NZ BECAME PART OF

THE EMPIRE

On February 6, 1840 t- 131 years ago — at a gathering in the Bay of Islands, the first 46 Maori chiefs to sign the Treaty of Waitangi did so before some 500 of their tribesmen. Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson signed for the Crown, and the way was clear for New Zealand to become a British possession.

As each chief signed the document Captain Hobson shook him by the hand, saying "He iwi tahi tatou (We are one people)". That brief statement symbolised the meaning of the treaty, and has come to be the spirit behind the ceremony held each year at

Waitangi on this date. There were many more signatures to come before the treaty would be completed; altogether, there were 512 signatories, and it took several months before all had signed. But the main task was done when, at Waitangi, after long discussion and argument, the majorky of the chiefs present signed the document

that was to be the basis for the peaceful development of a new multi-racial Pacific eountry. This almost unique settlement of a eountry by treaty, rather than by conquest, placed the Maori in a better ; position than the original inhabitants of most other countries taken over by Europeans throughout the world. While retaining equal status he was given central government for the first time; and the opportunity to make the inevitable step forward into the irresistibly expanding Western ways of life more easily and certainly than many other races. A way of life is not changed by proclamation and it has taken more than a century to make the real progress towards practical equality in everyday life the Maori has today. But the end is not yet in sight, and there is still much to do before Governor Hobson's words come true. Every movement needs an aim. Every aim needs a theme, a focus from which the rays of action can expand to provide life to the continuing progress towards the goal that Hobson stated when he told those first signers of the treaty "we are one people". Each year, Waitangi itself provides that focus, that reminder of intent that helps to ensure the reason for the treaty will never be forgotten. On February 6, New Zealanders of many races will gather at the historic Treaty House to commemorate one of the 19th century's most enlightened documents. And in countries throughout the world, New Zealanders abroad will celebrate New Zealand 's National Day. "He iwi tahi tatou."