The Treaty and Beyond: Aotearoa’s Historical and Constitutional Path
Exploring Aotearoa’s history and the Treaty of Waitangi from Pre-European settlement to modern developments.
In-Person
02 Nov 2026 | Wellington (Pipitea)
Can’t make these dates or want a private course?
Course overview
Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi is important for professionals working in Aotearoa/New Zeland. As organisations strengthen their relationships with Māori and respond to evolving expectations around partnership, engagement, and cultural capability, a solid understanding of New Zealand’s founding document has become an essential professional skill.
This interactive course provides a practical introduction to the history of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, its significance in shaping modern New Zealand, and its ongoing influence on policy, business, leadership, and decision-making. Through expert facilitation, discussion, and real-world examples, participants will explore key historical events, Crown–Māori relations, and the contemporary issues that continue to shape Aotearoa today.
Ideal for professionals seeking confidence in conversations about Te Tiriti, this course builds the knowledge needed to engage more effectively with colleagues, communities, clients, and stakeholders while contributing to more informed and culturally responsive workplaces.
These sessions will combine lecture style teaching by the facilitator, with group discussion.
What you'll learn
An understanding of:
- Pre-European settlement history of Aotearoa New Zealand, including the nature of traditional Māori society
- What the Treaty was intended to achieve in 1840
- Significant events in the history of the Treaty from a Māori perspective
- Development since 1840 including relevant legislation, and events relating to Crown-Māori relationships
Course modules
- Pre-European settlement and history of Aotearoa New Zealand
- Nature of traditional Māori culture
- Who were the chiefs? What is Māori customary law? What made the society tick?
- Treaty in a historical context, including the early settler contact period, the Declaration of Independence and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi
- Key debates surrounding the Treaty (including the translation issues)
- Recent developments including the Māori ‘renaissance’, Treaty legislation of the mid-80s, the establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal, the early Treaty settlement phase and foreshore and seabed legislation
- Constitutional importance of the Treaty, with reference to landmark Treaty jurisprudence and leading commentary such as The White Paper and UN reporting
Further Information
Format
This course is delivered as an in-person workshop at our Wellington venue, run over two half-days. It includes a mix of facilitator-led sessions, small-group exercises, and whole-group discussion. Group size is limited to 25 participants to ensure meaningful interaction and personal feedback. Morning tea is provided to support networking and collaboration.
What You'll Receive
You will receive a digital certificate of attendance and a Wellington Uni-Professional digital badge. These include the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours completed, making them suitable for recognition by professional organisations and employers.
Private courses
This programme can be adapted to suit your organisational needs and ordered as a private course. For more information, please contact our Poutaki Māori, Marie Cocker (marie.cocker@wellingtonuni-professional.nz).
Upcoming Courses & Delivery Options
02 Nov 2026 | Wellington (Pipitea)
Duration: 2 half-days, 9am-1pm
$NZD 995
excl. GST
Can’t make these dates or want a private course?
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