The Treaty of Waitangi represents a foundational document in New Zealand's history, signed on February 6, 1840. Captain William Hobson, the first Governor of New Zealand, acted on behalf of the British Crown, seeking to establish a legal framework for the growing number of European settlers in the region. The treaty was signed at the residence of the chief, James Busby, in Waitangi, Bay of Islands, and involved over 500 Māori chiefs. It contained two main versions: one in English and one in Māori, each reflecting the respective viewpoints of the signatories.

The English text formalized the cession of sovereignty from Māori to the Crown, while the Māori text emphasized the protection of Māori land and rights. This discrepancy in interpretation would later lead to significant disputes and conflicts over land and governance. The signing involved a ceremonial aspect, showcasing both Māori and British customs, and it aimed at establishing a relationship built on mutual respect. In the subsequent months and years, the treaty was signed by many other chiefs across New Zealand, further cementing its significance.

The aftermath of the treaty saw the rapid colonization of New Zealand by settlers, which triggered a series of conflicts between Māori and the colonial government. These conflicts arose primarily from land acquisitions and differing understandings of the treaty's protections. The tensions would not only shape New Zealand's socio-political landscape in the 19th century but would also influence the ongoing dialogue around Māori rights and sovereignty in the modern context. Today, the Treaty of Waitangi is regarded as a symbol of reconciliation and a basis for the relationship between Māori and the New Zealand government.