One One Sun in the Sky: the untold story of sovereignty and the Treaty of Waitangi

Over the last three decades New Zealand has opened a positive new future in race relations by dealing with its past. In the Treaty settlements journey, long standing injustices suffered by Māori are being acknowledged, apologies offered and, inasmuch as is possible, restitution is being made. In the process a new spirit of national unity or kotahitanga is flourishing in the land. As part of embracing the truth about our past, we must also let our history speak on the critical issue of sovereignty and the Treaty. The Waitangi Tribunal has endorsed the dual sovereignty view of the Treaty and this view is now widely promoted. But is it true? Did the chiefs at Waitangi really believe they were to retain equal governing authority with the Crown? Or did they accept that the Treaty established Crown authority over both Pākehā and Māori? ONE SUN IN THE SKY presents an evidence-based perspective on the question of sovereignty and the Treaty of Waitangi. In this book Ewen McQueen reviews the historical evidence for how the Treaty was understood by Māori and Pākehā both at the time it was signed in 1840, and for the century which followed. The story he uncovers is rarely heard today. But it is a story which needs telling. Thoroughly researched and fully referenced, this book is a must-read for all New Zealanders. Not just because truth telling about our history is crucial to the future of race relations in our nation – but because our journey together has been a remarkable story.