The differences in the translations

• Read the English text
• Read the Maori text
• Read the differences in the two texts

The main differences are...

Article 1:

In the English text of the Treaty, Māori leaders gave the Queen "all the rights and powers of sovereignty" over their land.

In the Māori text of the Treaty, Māori leaders gave the Queen "te kawanatanga katoa" – the complete government over their land.

Article 2:

In the English text of the Treaty, Māori leaders and people, collectively and individually, were confirmed and guaranteed "exclusive and undisturbed possession of their lands and estates, forests, fisheries and other properties".

In the Māori text of the Treaty, Māori were guaranteed "te tino rangatiratanga" – the unqualified exercise of their chieftainship over their lands "wenua", villages "kainga", and all their property/treasures "taonga katoa".

In the English text of the Treaty, Māori yielded to the Crown an exclusive right to purchase their land.

Māori agreed to give first priority to selling land to the Crown, but if the Crown did not want the land, then Māori could sell it to anyone.

Article 3:

This is considered a fair translation of the English. However the idea of equlity for all is contradicted in the other Articles.