In 1840, taonga meant tangible treasured possessions—such as land, homes, weapons, and personal items.

Taonga appears in Article 2 of the Treaty of Waitangi, where the Crown guaranteed Māori te tino rangatiratanga (possession) of their lands, homes (kainga), and taonga (treasures). In the 19th-century context, taonga referred primarily to physical, valued possessions—land being the most important.

Over time, the definition has evolved in both legal and political contexts. From the late 20th century, courts and the Waitangi Tribunal began interpreting taonga to include not only material items but also intangible cultural and spiritual treasures—like language (te reo Māori), traditional knowledge, and cultural practices. This modern usage reflects evolving views rather than the meaning most signatories would have understood in 1840.

The broader interpretation has led to debates over the extent of Treaty guarantees, particularly in areas such as broadcasting, education, and intellectual property.

Reference

Waitangi Tribunal report on broadcasting (Wai 11, 1990): https://www.waitangitribunal.govt.nz/publications-and-resources/wai-reports