For a quick recap of that historic day which took place at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands.
The scene back on February 6, 1840, 179 years ago - British ships anchored out in the bay, a large tent, made out of ships' sails was put up on the lawn in front of the house of James Busby, the British representative who helped draft the treaty.
It was in this tent that 43 chiefs signed the document in the presence of captain William Hobson, the first governor of New Zealand and co-author of the treaty.
Among the first to sign were influential Ngapuhi chief Hone Heke who later rebelled against British rule and Te Ruki Kawiti, despite being strongly opposed to the signing
As each put their name or moko on the document, Hobson said 'he iwi tahi tatou' - meaning “we are now one people”.
Following that landmark signing, the treaty was taken around the country and by the end of 1840 about 500 others had signed, including 13 women.
Not all rangatira, or chiefs, signed.
(First published February 2019.)
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