History and the Treaty of Waitangi Settlement Process

Abstract

For the past quarter of a century the New Zealand government has actively sought to negotiate and settle historical Treaty claims, and it is anticipated that the vast majority of these historical claims will be settled by 2017. The negotiation of a claim culminates in a deed of settlement signed by a Māori claimant group and the Crown, which signals the resolution of all historical grievances between a Māori claimant group and the Crown. This article offers an introductory review of the Treaty of Waitangi negotiation and settlement process and the role of historical research. Much of the work done by historians remains hidden from view and is not easily analysed, but the Crown apology is an exception: it is a tangible, publicly available outcome of the process of negotiations between a particular Māori claimant group and the Crown. In conclusion, the article provides some preliminary discussion on the role of public education in relation to Treaty of Waitangi claims negotiations and suggests that greater attention to the Crown apology would enhance public understanding.