In this mid-20th century painting showing the signing of te Tiriti o Waitangi, the prominence of the Union Jack, surrounded by Māori chiefs and colonial officials, highlights the centrality of the British Empire in New Zealand's founding. As shown here, Pākehā settlers were present during discussions, but they were not allowed to take part – the treaty was between Māori and the Crown. At the time this image was painted, many New Zealanders strongly felt the importance of the empire.
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference:
NON-ATL-0173
Artwork by Marcus King
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
Tāpiritia te tākupu hou