Quote of the day

"Had you spoken thus in the old time, when the traders and grog-sellers came - had you turned them away, then you could well say to the Governor, "Go Back", and it would have been correct, straight, and I would have also said with you, "Go Back" - yes, we together as one man, one voice.

But now, as things are, no, no, no. What did we do before the Pakeha came? We fought, we fought continually. But now we can plant our grounds, and the Pakeha will bring plenty of trade to our shores. Then let us keep him here. Let us all be friends together. I am walking beside the Pakeha. I'll sign...."

Tamati Waka Nene (Nga Puhi) urging that the Treat of Waitangi be signed.

(Source; Maori & Alcohol: A History, Marten Hutt)