This accessible primer on the Treaty of Waitangi takes a fresh look at the treaty's origins, history, and meanings. Relations between the Europeans, Maori, and Pakeha are traced from the earliest years of European settlement to the signing of the treaty in 1840, through the land wars of the 1860s, and on to the present century. Discussed is the treaty's increasing importance as the Maori strive for autonomy and the Pakeha have begun to critically examine their history.