“The Treaty of Waitangi (1840) successfully resolved all issues between the settlers and the indigenous peoples.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that the Treaty of Waitangi successfully resolved all issues between the settlers and the indigenous peoples. Candidates may discuss the ways in which the treaty appeared to protect Maori rights with regards to land. Maori land and property were recognized and land had to be bought officially by the crown. However, as Maori communities became more aware of their legal rights regarding the purchase of land, they became more reluctant to sell, which in turn led to the methods used to acquire Maori land becoming more aggressive. Candidates may also argue that the treaty only addressed issues of land and did not consider other issues between settlers and indigenous peoples, such as political representation. Other relevant factors may be discussed, for example that different interpretations of the treaty made it difficult to determine its impact. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.