I and Maki will make the presentation about the Treaty of Waitangi, especially I researched people. I found 4 heroes for the treaty, so I will write about them in this essay. Also, I thought about some imaginary stories. For example, what would have happened if 4 heroes had not existed? I will introduce that to you after. This essay includes some my own opinions.
Firstly, I am going to write about 4 heroes briefly. 4 heroes are Henry Williams, William Hobson, James Busby, and Tamati Waka Nene.
The first person was from England. He got married at 26 and had 3 children, so he was successful for making really happy family. If he had continued to live in England, he would have got a normal life. However, he decided to become a missionary who teaches Christianity to people. He went to New Zealand with his wife and 3 children, but I wondered how he could persuade his family. At this time New Zealand was not famous, because the lands did not be opened. There were no Christians, so I think that he decided to go there. He tried to learn Maori languages and cultures to increase Christians in New Zealand. As a result, he could do that. Also, he made the Treaty of Waitangi with Hobson. They made the treaty in the short time, so there were mistakes. Now, some controversies which are about the treaty are happening because of the mistakes.
The second person was called Captain Hobson by everyone. He was the first governor of New Zealand. He wanted to get New Zealand, so he came there with Williams. Hobson needed to make Maori sign the treaty. Therefore, he tried to get a lot of Maori signatures. He traveled everywhere in New Zealand to get those. When Williams made the treaty, Hobson supported him. However, it is clear to me that they should have prepared the treaty in advance. Besides, they needed calm, because they were too busy.
The third person was from Scotland. He got the position of British President of New Zealand in 1832. Busby had been helped by Hobson. Busby tried to solve many conflicts between Maori tribes, but he could not do that. That is why he asked for helping. He assisted Hobson in return. Also, he built the treaty house which Maori and missionaries signed the treaty in.
The last person was Maori. He became a leader of Maori, because his family was upper class. Many Maori do not want to sign, but he could persuade them as the leader. In addition, he tried to make a good relationship between Maori and European, so He worked with British President, James Busby and traded with Pakeha.
Next, I will write my imaginary stories.
The first one is about people. If 4 heroes had not existed, what would have happened? I wrote this question at my introduction. As you know, Williams, Hobson, and Busby were European, and Waka Nene was only Maori. I think that Waka Nene is the most important person, because he was the Maori leader. Also, he wanted to sign the treaty, but other Maori did not wanted to sign. I mean that many Maori disagreed with Waka Nene, but he was the leader. He would have been able to persuade other Maori by using his power. If he had been missing, a lot of Maori would have caused conflicts. In other words, the Treaty of Waitangi would not have been signed without Waka Nene. The fact that he had been the leader was really lucky for European.
The second one is about signing. If Maori had not signed the treaty, what would have happened? Needless to say, a lot of conflicts would have been caused by Maori and European. European was stronger than Maori, so European would have won the conflicts. If so, Maori would have lost their rights. Also, I guess that if the treaty had not signed, New Zealand would not have developed. Now, New Zealand is very famous place where many people visit every year. In addition, this country is really peaceful place. It is clear to me that the treaty was very important for Maori and European.
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. At this moment, this treaty is connecting between Maori and European. People in New Zealand think that the treaty is really significant for them. Also, I think so too. 4 heroes did their best to sign the treaty. In my opinion, they thought about New Zealand future, so they made the treaty. They hoped for the glorious future. If so, I really respect them.
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