Waitangi Treaty copy

Use the tool bar at the bottom of this interactive to zoom in and navigate. The drop down menu at the top lists the names of those who signed this copy of the Treaty - choosing a name takes you to their signature on the document.

The Waitangi copy of the Treaty

The Waitangi copy of the Treaty was first signed at Waitangi on 6 February 1840. It then circulated in the Bay of Islands for signing. It is estimated that about 240 Maori signed this copy, which is in the Maori language.

There are many uncertainties about names, dates of signings and numbers signing at different locations, so it is virtually impossible to state precise figures. Most of the names are from tribes north of Whangarei and from Tamaki-makau-rau (Auckland), the Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf. There are conflicting reports of the number who signed at Waitangi on 6 February and immediately after; there may have been 43 (most likely), 45 or 52. Hokianga presents similar problems, as does Waimate North where there was probably only one signing, and not two as sometimes thought.

There are other puzzles. The name of Nga Puhi chief Moka Te Kainga-mataa (No. 30 in the list) is written on this copy of the Treaty (in the form, 'Te tohu o Moka'), but no signature or mark appears alongside it. Moka, therefore, may not have signed the Treaty, possibly because of concerns over its impact, which he is known to have voiced on 5 February.

On 6 February the sheet had three columns with an estimated 40 signatures or marks. The first chief to sign was Hone Heke, although his name no longer appears at the top of the Treaty. At least 11 chiefs signed with their names, while the others made their marks beside an identifying phrase such as 'Te tohu o Hori Kingi Warerahi' (The mark of Hori King Wharerahi).

Seven chiefs signed on 9 February at Te Waimate. Many of the Hokianga chiefs signed with simple crosses at Hokianga on 12 February, and a further column was added at this time. At a signing at either Pahia or Waitangi on 17 February, the marks of chiefs Kawiti, Te Tirarau and Pomare were inserted above the name of Hone Heke.

Just a couple of weeks later there was no more space on the sheet, so Captain Nias of the Herald and Colonial Treasurer George Cooper added a second sheet of parchment at the bottom. The sheet was subsequently used to gather signatures at Kaitaia, Auckland (given as Tamaki, below) and Russell. Two women are known to have signed this copy: Ana Hamu (61), the widow of Te Koki who had been patron of the Paihia mission station; and Ereonora (207), the wife of Te Rarawa chief Nopera Pana-kareao. Koroniria Nuau (211) may also be a woman.

Information about the signatories