Edited by Jared Davidson. Historical Essay by Claudia Orange. Published by Bridget Williams Books, 2023. (NZD 18) Reviewed by Greg Donnelly

Introducing Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a small book of 150-odd pages, gives an historical account of the founding document for our country. The first half explains why the Treaty document was needed, who signed it, where and what happened. I found the summary of the differences between the Te Reo Māori and the English versions particularly informative.

The highlight of the book for me are the 200 one-paragraph stories of the Māori chiefs and high-ranking women who signed Te Tiriti. These gems add so much character, contextual background and humanness to Te Tiriti. They give flesh and blood to the signature or mark which would otherwise be dry marks on a legal document. For example, the signer Patuone remembered as a boy meeting Captain Cook, and another signer Tawito hunted moa in his youth.

The second half of the book is an historical essay by Claudia Orange that spans from pre-European to the present. This well-researched book is a “must have” for anyone wanting to know about Te Tiriti. I wish I had had it with me on a trip to Waitangi several years ago.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 286 October 2023: 27