The content of this short book is derived directly from the larger illustrated publication, foregoing all illustrations to suit the BWB Texts format. In 1840, over 500 Maori leaders put their names to a significant new document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi or the Treaty of Waitangi. Through their signatures, moko or marks they were making an agreement with the British Crown. At stake was the sovereignty of the country, the governance of the land. The history of this agreement is a remarkable one, told here in rich and compelling detail.