Who were the main signatories of the Treaty of Waitangi?

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Question: Who were the main signatories of the Treaty of Waitangi?

The available data includes one listed option: 'a. Māori chiefs and the British Crown'.

Option analysis:
- Option a: 'Māori chiefs and the British Crown' — This is the historically accurate description of the main signatories. The Treaty of Waitangi (1840) was signed by numerous Māori rangatira (chiefs) representing various iwi, alongside representatives of the British Crown, led by Governor William Hobson. The two versions of the treaty (in Māori and English) were intended to formalize a constitutional relationship between Māori and the Crown. This option correctly captures the two-sided nature of the signatories.

- Other options: The provided data does not include any additional answer choices to evaluate. In a typical multiple-choice setup, you would compare each alternative against the historical record: some might incorrectly claim only Māori signatories, or only the Crown, or include other parties not signatory to the treaty. Without those alternatives present, we cannot identify specific erroneous statements. However, the common misconceptions to watch for would be:
  • Claiming only Māori chiefs signed the treaty (ignores the Crown representatives).
  • Claiming only colonial officials signed (ignores the Māori signatories).
  • Naming individuals or groups not involved as signatories (e.g., later political figures not present at signing).

Contextual note: The Treaty is widely studied as a foundational document in New Zealand history, symbolizing a joint agreement between Māori sovereignty and British governance, though the subsequent interpretation and implementation have been subjects of ongoing historical and legal discussion.

Who were the main signatories of the Treaty of Waitangi?

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