Te Tiriti o Waitangi - The Treaty of Waitangi.

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Two perspectives from local rangatahi & pakeha youth on the treaty and how it affects their lives.

The treaty was signed, to provide guidelines relating to issues such as land, tikanga and mana status, to make living in New Zealand more pleasant for everyone. 
I think the fact that the treaty was ignored and Maori were exploited has caused many of today's grievances.
The settlement of long-standing claims with my iwi (Ngai Tahu) and others, and the prospect of financial assistance for my tertiary studies means the treaty affects my life in a positive way. - Vanya.

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It was an agreement between two cultures: the English were to have sovereign ship, and the Maori would have land, and continue with their own customs and language.
I think that the English wanted to confine the Maori to as little space as possible, so they could bring in more immigrants, and have bigger areas for industry.  People basically ignored the treaty, and still do.  It wasn't taken seriously until the Maori spoke out about still not having what they were promised. 
After hearing about the disputes on the news I went on a Marae to learn about the treaty because I felt I wasn't taught enough at school. - Ben

Feb 2000