Māori chiefs, known as rangatira, are leaders within the Māori community in New Zealand. They hold significant authority and responsibility, guiding their tribes, or iwi, in social, political, and economic matters. Traditionally, their leadership is based on lineage, with many chiefs descending from prominent ancestors. The role of Māori chiefs has evolved over time, especially during European colonization. They played crucial roles in negotiations, such as the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, which aimed to establish a partnership between the Māori and the British Crown. Today, Māori chiefs continue to influence cultural preservation and community development.