Aotearoa New Zealand Association for Mission Studies

Allan Davidson, ANZAMS Conference, 2003

Abstract:     “Revisiting Henry Williams and the Signing of the Treaty of Waitangi”

 The Rev’d Henry Williams, Church Missionary Society missionary, played a critical role  in the proceedings surrounding the drawing up, translation, presentation and signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. He is portrayed by some as a hero, who helped make the Treaty possible, and by others as a traitor, for deliberately and consciously mistranslating the Treaty. This paper will revisit the debates surrounding Henry Williams’ role in the Treaty of Waitangi. It will try to see his role both within the context of his life and work as a missionary and in the light of more recent debates. Whether it will rehabilitate him or recriminate him remains to be seen! 

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