> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://goodoil.news/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# More to Our History Than the Treaty of Waitangi
- URL: https://goodoil.news/more-to-our-history-than-the-treaty-of-waitangi/
- Published: 2024-02-01T18:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2024-02-01T17:28:37.000Z
- Author: Letter to the Editor
- Tags: History, NZ, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2024-07-16 22:07

Dear Editor

Why have a referendum on the Treaty of Waitangi when it played such a small role in New Zealand’s political, legal and justice systems? This was achieved by the six documents below that are held at Archives New Zealand but, except for the Tiriti o Waitangi, are completely ignored.

1\. **The letter to the King** in 1831 by 13 Ngapuhi chiefs asking him to be their guardian and protector.  
2\. **The Declaration of Independence**, which was a complete failure as Maori did not have a united body that could claim sovereignty over New Zealand in 1835.  
3\. **Queen Victoria’s 1839 Royal Charter** that placed New Zealand under New South Wales dependency.  
4\. **The Tiriti o Waitangi** that asked the chiefs to give up their governments and in return, were given the same rights as the people of England. No more, no less!  
5\. **Queen Victoria’s 1840 Royal Charter** that separated New Zealand from New South Wales with a Governor and Constitution that made New Zealand into a British Colony.  
6\. **The First Sitting of the Legislative Council in 1841** that set up New Zealand’s political, legal and justice systems under one flag and one law, irrespective of race colour or creed. New Zealand’s true Founding Document and first Constitution.

For further information: [http://www.onenzfoundation.co.nz](http://www.onenzfoundation.co.nz/?ref=goodoil.news).

Regards,

Ross Baker.

ONZF.

[If you enjoyed this letter please share it using the share buttons at the top or bottom of the article.](#)

[If you would like to access exclusive Member content or just remove the ads to make your reading experience more enjoyable click here to browse our Membership options.](https://thebfd.co.nz/subscription-plans/?ref=2)