Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi

Aspect of New Zealand law and politics Depiction of the signing of the treaty on 6 February 1840 The principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Māori: ngā mātāpono o te tiriti) are principles derived from both language versions of Treaty of Waitangi, signed in New Zealand in 1840. The phrase "principles of the Treaty of Waitangi" was first used in the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, and the principles were first expressed in mainstream law (but not codified) in 1987 after nearly a decade of development by the Waitangi Tribunal. The Tribunal was established by the Treaty of Waitangi Act, and their articulation of principles in accordance with the Tribunal's statutory role has been remarkably consistent, and principles continue to emerge and evolve rather than being static, or a code. In this way they represent a normative body of jurisprudence on western law. Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 The Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 introduced the phrase "the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi". Reference to the principles occurred in the long title, the preamble, and sections 6(1) and 8(1), as it was enacted. Section 6(1) provides for the Waitangi Tribunal to inquire into claims by Māori that they