Discuss the aims and effectiveness of the Treaty of Waitangi (1840).

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the aims and effectiveness of the Treaty of Waitangi. They may offer equal coverage of aims and effectiveness, or they may emphasize their discussion of one, but both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may identify aims such as British sovereignty over the land and giving the Maori status as British subjects with some land rights. Candidates may argue there are various interpretations of the treaty. They may consider that the effectiveness of the treaty was limited and refer to methods used by settlers to acquire Maori crown land, the Maori Wars between 1845 and 1872, the 1863 Settlements Act, and the Public Works Acts of 1864 and 1876. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the Maori political exclusion nationally until the 20th century, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.