New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was prepared over just a few days in February 1840. On the day that it was first signed, there were versions in English and Maori. Was the Treaty drafted too quickly? Did the Crown officials know what they were doing? Was the translation into Maori rushed, ambiguous or misleading? These and other questions have been debated since 1840.
Explore some of the key moments and events that have helped shape the course of New Zealand’s political and constitutional development. Follow the links for more detail.
See short biographies of people associated with the Treaty of Waitangi. See also our biographies index page.
For more information about the years before the Treaty of Waitangi see topics under Pre-1840 contact.
Many Maori prospered economically during the 1840s and 1850s. They supplied vital produce and labour to the fledgling European settlements. Maori agricultural goods found Australian markets, making a significant contribution to New Zealand's revenue. Maori communities obtained loans for flour mills, agricultural implements and ships, and there was investment in Maori health and education.
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Between 8 November 1939 and 4 May 1940 more than 2.6 million people visited the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition in Wellington; this represents an average daily attendance of about 17,000 people. The government spent £250,000 – more than $19 million in today's money – on the exhibition.
