Why did Maori want a treaty with the British?

The Māori sought a treaty with the British primarily to establish a formal relationship that would protect their land and sovereignty from increasing European settlement and exploitation. They hoped the treaty would ensure recognition of their rights and authority over their territories while providing a framework for governance and trade. Additionally, the Māori were concerned about the lawlessness and violence that accompanied European contact, prompting them to seek a legal agreement to safeguard their interests. Ultimately, the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, was seen as a way to secure peace and set clear terms for coexistence.