Why was the treaty needed?

Why Was A Treaty Needed In New Zealand?

Historians argue that understanding the causes of significant events is much more important than just remembering dates, facts, and figures about things in the past. The Treaty is an agreement between the Maori and the British people signed in 1840. The Treaty of Waitangi was needed because the British people were being lawless so they needed rules and laws to follow. 

There was lawless behavior when Whaler's arrived in New Zealand. Without the treaty Whaler's would be disrespectful and lawless. However, after the Treaty was created and signed, their behavior has been reduced due to laws and agreements that have been decided between Maori and Europeans. For example, Prostitution, Serious drinking, and Fighting. These type of behaviors occurs due to serious drinking when the Europeans arrived. Right after the laws and agreement are been decided between Maori and Europeans, it helped Maoris and Europeans reduce lawless behavior.

The missionaries were trying to protect the Maori and their rights. The missionaries influenced the Maori to sign the Treaty. For example, buying land for the Maori people, helping Maori to read and write and Farming. The missionaries encouraged the Maori to sign the treaty because this was the best way to help protect Maori and their rights.

The introduction of muskets to New Zealand caused a series of wars, known today as the Musket Wars. Maori traded foods with the Pakeha for muskets. Maori used muskets to fight other Maori tribes for Land or Revenge. The musket wars killed over 20,000 people during the war. This helped the Maori people protect their tribes, lands, and revenge. When all Maori tribes got access to the muskets it had a military balance between all Maori tribes. The Musket Wars increased violence and death because there were no laws around the ownership/trading of muskets. A Treaty prevents this and provides stability.

Was there anything in place before the treaty?
The Declaration of Independence was in place before the Treaty of Waitangi. 34 Northland chiefs (Rangitiratanga) made a deal. The effect of no meeting is important because there were no laws created to protect Maori as had been agreed in the Declaration, There was no intent for a congress of chiefs to meet annually under the Declaration and frame laws but this did not happen. The Declaration bought Maori together as before this there was no national Maori identity. The Treaty of Waitangi was needed to create laws and protect the Maoris.