In 1830 there were 100 thousand Māori and 300 thousand Europeans living in New Zealand. The behavior of the Whalers, the Missionaries’ desire to help protect Māori rights and the Musket Wars were reasons that a treaty was needed. The Declaration of Independence was another contributing factor to the need for a treaty. One reason that a treaty was needed was the lawless behavior of some of the British Settlers. Another reason that a treaty was needed was to protect Māori rights. One group that felt strongly about this was the missionaries. Another reason that a treaty was needed was the Musket Wars. The final reason that a treaty was needed was the existence of the Declaration of Independence. In conclusion, a treaty was needed because of all the illegal things that were happening and the overuse of alcohol, prostitution and more.
