Story: Kotahitanga – unity movements

Treaty House, Waitangi

Treaty House, Waitangi

The Treaty House formerly belonged to British Resident James Busby (a representative of the British government). It is on the Treaty Grounds at Waitangi. A number of events of significance to kotahitanga movements took place at Waitangi. In 1834 Busby organised a meeting of Māori chiefs to select a national flag. In 1835 he organised a further meeting at which the New Zealand Declaration of Independence (He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tirene) was signed by a number of northern chiefs. Then, in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here on 6 February.

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How to cite this page:

Basil Keane, 'Kotahitanga – unity movements - The first Kotahitanga movements, 1834 to 1840', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/33602/treaty-house-waitangi (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Basil Keane, published 20 Jun 2012