Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi

Depiction of the signing of the treaty on 6 February 1840

In New Zealand law and politics, the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Māori: ngā mātāpono o te tiriti) is a phrase used in the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975. It is a set of principles derived from, and interpreting, the Treaty of Waitangi. These 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.