Treaty Of Waitangi
The Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand's founding document. It takes its name from the place in the Bay of Islands where it was first signed, on 6 February 1840. The Treaty is an agreement, in Maori and English, that was made between the British Crown and about 540 Maori rangatira (chiefs), this day is remembered and celebrated by a public holiday in New Zealand. Over generations, this document has caused many a heated debate over the different perceptions of the document, having been lost and altered through translation.
As a result, the Waitangi Tribunal was established in 1975, a permanent commission of inquiry charged with making recommendations on claims brought to them by Maori, relating to actions or omissions of the crown that breach understood promises made in the Treaty of Waitangi.
The famous document is a covenant between the Crown and Maori. Businesses that are not Crown entities are not required to include the Treaty of Waitangi in their business policies and practices, though many do. In most cases, showing some regard for the Treaty relationship in employment is encouraged.
As outlined on the website of Immigration New Zealand: Having knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi can be useful for when:
- Working alongside Maori
- Working on issues that affect Maori
- Maori protocol is recognisedin your workplace
- Maori health, economicsand politics are points for discussion
For more information, check out the Immigration New Zealand website listed below.
HR Tool Kit:
Discrimination in Employment and Human Rights Act
EEO Trust - Maori Toolkit
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