Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi

Depiction of the signing of the treaty on 6 February 1840

The principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Māori: ngā mātāpono o te tiriti) is a set of principles derived from, and interpreting, the Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed in New Zealand in 1840. The phrase "principles of the Treaty of Waitangi" was first used in the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, and the principles were codified in 1987. There is no final list and they are determined on a case-by-case basis. They include the three Ps – partnership, participation and protection of rangatiratanga (Māori authority).[1] According to the law firm Chapman Tripp, the main principles are those of partnership, good faith, active protection, the need for compromise and the duty to consult.[2]

The principles of the treaty are often mentioned in contemporary New Zealand politics.[3]

  1. ^ de Silva, Tommy (3 February 2024). "The principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, explained". The Spinoff.
  2. ^ Cochrane, David (5 May 2005). "What are the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi? What should the law do about them?". Chapman Tripp. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
  3. ^ He Tirohanga ō Kawa ki te Tiriti o Waitangi: a guide to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi as expressed by the Courts and the Waitangi Tribunal (PDF). Te Puni Kokiri. 2001. ISBN 0-478-09193-1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2012.