Social Studies: Why Was a Treaty Needed in New Zealand?

In the 1830s, 100,000 Maoris and 100 Europeans lived in New Zealand. The scumbag behaviour of Whalers caused the Missionaries to assert protection to help with Maori rights. The reason why a treaty was needed was because of the Musket Wars and the Declaration of Independence. Extensively, a treaty was significant because it binds a formal agreement between parties. A treaty will help people live a lawful life with their morals, values and rights. 

A treaty was a necessity because of the behaviour of the British settlers. One of these British settlers were Whalers; 200 people were Whalers, they'd travel on the sea for months and return to the shore. Whenever the Whalers return to the coast - Kororareka, which we now know as Russel - they would dissipate alcohol, behave violently, there were girls prostituted for their entertainment, and act unlawfully. Situations like these need a treaty because it helps the problems and solves issues people face. The treaty is not a solution for every intricacy because some may break the regulations and restrictions. However, a treaty will be established as a guide, so people would act according to the law, reduce fights among men, build values and relationships. 

As previously mentioned, the treaty's purpose was to protect Maori rights during the 19th century. Missionaries strongly believed that this was the best solution. The missionaries educated Maori people about conversance. For instance, they introduced new farming equipment, taught reading and writing, and converted Maori to Christianity. Another reason that a treaty was needed was to protect Māori rights. The missionaries were concerned about the fights, prostitution, musket wars, and diseases around the land. Hence, a treaty is necessary because it will help civilisation establishment, end wars, stop prostitution and women torture, and the unlawful actions of most people.

The Musket Wars occurred in the 19th century, between the 1700s to the 1800s. During that time, approximately 20,000 died in the bloody war. Tribes traded large quantities of food and flaxes for muskets. The muskets gave an advantage to tribes over their enemies. Although, as more tribes got muskets, more battles followed. Northern tribes such as Nga Puhi attacked the South. The central North Island tribes like Ngati To Rangatira launched attacks on a tribe in the lower North Island and South Island. One of the impacts of these attacks was tribes without muskets were forced to trade with the Europeans to get them. Those who didn't have muskets faced no freedom and death. As a result, tribal boundaries changed. Over the years, tribes accessed muskets, which balanced power among them. 

What is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence in New Zealand? 34 Northland Chiefs signed the agreement with the British crown for what's known as the Declaration of Independence. Intriguingly, the Declaration of Independence was for mana and sovereignty to remain in the country. Also, Maori only trade with the British. In 1835, before the Treat of Waitangi, there wasn't a national Maori identity because everyone lived in extended family groups. None of the Maori chiefs had authority among the people. After signing the Declaration of Independence, it enabled Maori to trade in legal terms because they had a flag. Another purpose was that the Declaration of Independence helped promote and protect Maori rights. It's truly fascinating how treaties help unite nations and improve countries. It teaches valuable life lessons to future generations. 

This essay has demonstrated that a treaty was needed because it protects the Maori culture and their rights. Additionally, a treaty was needed to help people live by the law. Hey needed a treaty because it establishes values and relationship, end wars and stops prostitution. This topic impacted me personally because I learnt the importance of having your own right as a human being and the importance of your own identity. Consequently, without the treaty, Maori rights would not be accomplished.