Who Introduced the Treaty of Waitangi and who Translated it into Maori?
Who introduced the Treaty? The Treaty was introduced by Captain William Hobson on the 5th of February 1840. The British Crown had previously decided that they would ask Hobson to sign a treaty with Queen Victoria. Because Queen Victoria was in England and could not attend the signing, Hobson would represent her. On the fifth of February, Hobson presented the treaty to the Maori and asked them for their opinions. The meeting was held in a tent which was erected in front of James Busby’s house. When everyone was settled in the tent, Hobson explained that due to the lack of law, Queen Victoria was worried about the Maori. Hobson then said that if they signed the Treaty, he would become the governor of New Zealand and he would be able to control the settlers. The debate went on for about 5 hours with the latter chiefs agreeing. William Hobson translated the treaty for Hobson as he needed help understanding Maori. Who Translated the Treaty? The Treaty was translated by a missionary: Henry W
