Description
The Travesty of Waitangi: Towards Anarchy by Stuart C. Scott is a highly controversial, self-published 1995 political text that strongly critiques the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process and the growing influence of Māori political and financial power. Writing from an “anti-Treatyist” perspective, Scott argues that contemporary interpretations of the Treaty deviate from historical realities and threaten New Zealand’s democratic structure.
The book is widely noted by historians and reviewers for relying heavily on early colonialist narratives and racial stereotypes.
Core Arguments & Themes
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- Critique of the Waitangi Tribunal: Scott attacks the tribunal and the mid-1990s settlement process, claiming they misinterpret the 1840 document and squander taxpayer funds on invalid land and fishing claims.
- Pākehā Settler Contribution: The text places immense emphasis on the “unremitting toil and back-breaking work” of early European pioneers, arguing that their efforts—rather than Māori culture—established modern New Zealand infrastructure and the rule of law.
- Denial of Indigenous Exclusivity: Scott attempts to downplay indigenous rights by arguing that Māori were simply an earlier wave of settlers rather than inherently indigenous to the land.
- The “Towards Anarchy” Warning: The author warns that catering to escalating cultural demands and creating separate legal frameworks based on race will lead to political favouritism and societal breakdown.
Key Subjects Explored
- The New Zealand Wars (Māori Wars) of the 1860s.
- Māori fishing claims and resource ownership.
- The role of the United Nations in indigenous rights.
Paperback. First-Edition. 184 Pages. Foxxing on the back page and writing on the front page. Good Condition.
