Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a treaty signed in 1840 between the British Crown and various Māori chiefs in New Zealand. It aimed to establish a framework for governance and protect Māori rights and land. The treaty is considered a foundational document for New Zealand's legal and political systems. The treaty consists of three main articles, which address governance, property rights, and the protection of Māori culture. Over the years, differing interpretations of the treaty have led to ongoing discussions and negotiations regarding Māori rights and sovereignty in New Zealand.