Updated 2026 edition. This booklet is relevant for people who want to gain a basic knowledge about the Treaty of Waitangi and its implications, as well as for those who want to refresh and update their understanding.
Network Waitangi is pleased to launch its 2026 update of the previously named Treaty of Waitangi Questions and Answers book. It is written for those seeking a basic, factual knowledge of te Tiriti, our colonial history, current issues, and paths to justice. It was first published in 1989 by Project Waitangi. This is the 8th edition, and the first major content update in 10 years. Researchers added a further 42 government breaches, to December 2025. The Luxon Government flouted the country’s foundational agreement 32 times, more than in any decade since 1840.
The update adds examples of entities using different co-governance structures, the ongoing use of the Doctrine of Discovery, and anti-racism and decolonisation initiatives, including concepts in the 2016 report on constitutional transformation, He Whakaaro Here Whakaumu mo Aotearoa – The report of Matike Mai Aotearoa. It also includes information to counter anti-Māori and anti-Tiriti views, and new research – from Professor Margaret Mutu on the colonial approach of Tiriti ‘settlements’, and from Ned Fletcher. His 2024 book The English Text of the Treaty of Waitangi explores evidence that the Māori and English texts are closer in intent and meaning than previously supposed, and were interpreted similarly at the time the reo Māori text was signed. Fletcher found zero evidence that the UK Colonial Office intended Hobson to rule over the Rangatira.
Many questions have been re-framed (eg, ‘how does te Tiriti move us to national unity’, rather than ‘why can’t we just be one people’), as research shows that repeating racist statements in order to counter them can reinforce them. The writing team included Moea Armstrong, Fiona Maclean, Pauline McKay, and Jenny Rankine (also the designer). They acknowledge the many peer reviewers who contributed.
High resolution, hard copies of the 2026 Q&A are available from NWO for $10 + p&p.
The previous 2018 version can be DOWNLOADED HERE