An Unsettled History squarely confronts the issues arising from the Treaty of Waitangi in New Zealand today. Alan Ward writes lucidly about the Treaty claims process, about settlements made, and those to come. New Zealand’s short history unquestionably reveals a treaty made and then repeatedly breached. This is a compelling case – for fair and reasonable settlement, and for the rigorous continuation of the Treaty claims process through the Waitangi Tribunal. The impact of the past upon the present has rarely been analysed so clearly, or to such immediate purpose.

Timeline

1840: The Treaty of Waitangi was signed between representatives of the British government and over 500 Maori chiefs.
1975: The Waitangi Tribunal is established to investigate future breaches by the Crown of Treaty principles.
1985: The Tribunal’s jurisdiction is extended to cover historical breaches – and the Tribunal is flooded with claims. Time and money are committed to the claims process; new research dramatically expands understanding of Maori–Pakeha history.
Today: Some landmark claims have been negotiated; others are nearing completion, many significant claims. The mood of the country is anxious. Where to from here? The answer is strong and clear: recognition of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi is not only the best way forward but also the only viable means for the people of New Zealand to forge a harmonious nation in the South Pacific.

Endorsements                                              

'An important book – a skilful work, revealing the hand of a scholar who cares deeply about New Zealand.' New Zealand Journal of History

'Anyone with any interest in treaty issues should read this book.' Wanganui Chronicle

'This book is a major achievement. Ward has provided not only a balm to soothe the anxieties of many New Zealanders over Waitangi claims, but he has also provided a vision for both Maori and Pakeha to strive for.' Waikato Times

'This is a welcome addition to a vexing subject which affects us all, whether we like it or not.' Southland Times

Contents                                                       

Introduction

Part I
1 The Treaty as a political compact
2 The modern Treaty claims process
3 Settlements and non-settlements

Part II
4 The investigation of pre-1840 land transactions
5 The New Zealand Company in Wellington
6 Direct purchase: lessons from Auckland and Otago
7 Crown purchases, political change and war
8 The Native Lands Acts
9 The Liberal period and the twentieth century

Part III
10 History and the Treaty claims process

Appendices
References
Bibliography
List of illustrations

List of maps
Map 1: Maori land at 1860 (North Island)
Map 2: Maori land at 1890 (North Island)
Map 3: Maori land at 1910 (South Island)
Map 4: Maori land at 1919 (North Island)
Map 5: Maori land at 1939 (North Island)

List of Appendices
Appendix 1: The Treaty of Waitangi
Appendix 2: The Treaty claims process: principal dates
Appendix 3: Some principal dates in New Zealand history, 1940–1967
Appendix 4: Published reports of the Waitangi Tribunal

Index