The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Maori chiefs, establishing British sovereignty over New Zealand. This treaty is often regarded as the founding document of New Zealand, although its interpretation and implementation have been contentious. The Treaty aimed to protect Maori rights and property while facilitating British settlement, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about land rights, governance, and cultural recognition in New Zealand's history.

The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 had profound implications for colonial literature, influencing poets like Alfred Domett and Thomas Bracken. Their works often highlighted the tensions between imperial ambitions and indigenous rights, reflecting the complexities of cultural encounters.