There were two versions of the Treaty – one in English and one in Māori. They are not exact translations of each other.
Those who signed the Treaty brought different experiences and understandings of certain words to the signing.
When the British representatives took the Treaty to different Māori groups they possibly introduced it differently, and their explanations varied.
(introduction)
credit: nzhistory
It is likely that Māori would know these terms in a biblical context - King Herod was sovereign ruler of Judea, while Pontius Pilate was the governor (the procurator of the Roman Empire in Judea). Pilate was responsible for Roman law while Herod remained ruler of the Jewish people.
Governorship in this sense is a more custodial role, with the sovereign ruler still holding the real power for their people.
Williams might have better translated sovereignty as mana or even tino rangatiratanga (absolute chieftainship) rather than kawanatanga.
credit: Waikato University
Māori leaders and people, were guaranteed 'exclusive and undisturbed possession of their lands and estates, forests, fisheries and other properties'.
Māori also agreed to the Crown's exclusive right to purchase their land. Some Māori (and British) later stated that they understood the Crown to have a first option rather than an exclusive right to buy.
Māori were guaranteed 'te tino rangatiratanga' or the unqualified exercise of their chieftainship over their lands, villages, and all their property and treasures.
Māori also agreed to give the Crown the right to buy their land if they wished to sell it.
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