Treaty of Waitangi

Book Author Ross Calman
Rights Available World excl. ANZ

‘The story of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi is one of the greatest in New Zealand history. It marks the moment British and Māori history intersected and a new nation was formed.’

In The Treaty of Waitangi, Ross Calman outlines the impact of the Treaty from early contact between Māori and European settlers and signing around the country through to its revitalisation in the twentieth century, the formation of the Waitangi Tribunal and the present-day debates about its place at the centre of political and cultural life.

Extensive illustrations, photos and fact boxes examine New Zealand’s founding document from a range of viewpoints, and highlight the importance of Te Tiriti as a key to understanding the nation’s past, present and future.

This eighth book further extends Oratia’s NZ Series, a non-fiction resource for general readers and schools, introducing complex subjects in concise terms.

Awards
Margaret Mahy Book of The Year, New Zealand Book Awards For Children and Young Adults 2025

About the Author
Ross Calman (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa, Kāi Tahu) is a well-known author and editor; his works include the revised Reed Book of Māori Mythology and Reed Book of Māori Exploration, along with several Māori–English dictionaries. Ross lives in Ōtautahi Christchurch. In 2025 his book The Treaty of Waitangi was named the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year at the 2025 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults

With Oratia Books: Favourite Māori Legends, He Atua, He Tangata: The World of Māori Mythology, The NZ Series: The Treaty of Waitangi

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Description

Publisher
Oratia Books

Extent
100pp

Format
240 x 160 mm portrait

Binding
Paperback

Category
Junior/Young Adult

Genre
Non-Fiction, History

Publication Date
January 2025

Rights Available:
World excl. ANZ

Rights Agents:

World
Peter Dowling, Oratia Books
peter@oratia.co.nz

Contact Oratia Media about this book

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“Ross Calman introduces this book by acknowledging that history is not one but many stories, told by a multiplicity of voices, each with their own cultural, political, and personal context. This idea may be new to readers, and it's presented with great honesty – yes, this history too has a viewpoint, and perhaps an unfamiliar one.

The Treaty of Waitangi is a miracle of concision without sacrificing complexity. It is written clearly and inclusively without avoiding uncomfortable truths; multiple sources are cited so that young readers are able to continue their learning about this important topic. At a time when the relevance of te Tiriti is being questioned, Ross Calman makes the case for its enduring power as this country's founding and legitimising document with refreshing integrity.

This book, like te Tiriti itself, is for us all.”

Mat Tait and Feana Tu’akoi, The judging convenors for The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults

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