Final answer:
The Treaty of Waitangi established British sovereignty over New Zealand while protecting Māori land rights. However, its implementation was contested, leading to late 20th-century settlements addressing Māori grievances. The treaty remains a cornerstone of New Zealand society and law.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, was an agreement between the British Crown and various Māori chiefs from the North Island of New Zealand. As depicted in the illustration by Māori artist Ōrriwa Tahupōtiki Haddon, it was recognized as affording Māori people rights to the services and resources of the federal New Zealand government. The terms of the treaty included British sovereignty over New Zealand and the protection of Māori land rights and cultural autonomy.
Over time, the application of the treaty's terms began to diverge. Legal issues arose due to differences between the English and Māori language versions of the treaty; land exchanges and the treatment of Māori rights were contested. The Māori claimed unfair treatment, including the loss of land and rights. In response to these disputes, since the 1990s, settlements have been reached to redress past grievances and uphold the treaty's original intent, albeit much later than the treaty's signing.
The actual outcome post-signing was mixed. The treaty's application was inconsistent, with significant land disputes arising. It took nearly 150 years for the New Zealand government to begin to address the Māori claims for redress, signifying the complexity and long-term implications of colonial treaties. Modern efforts at reconciliation reflect the evolving understanding of and respect for the treaty, confirming its enduring significance in New Zealand law and society.