Why is the Treaty of Waitangi so relevant?

The Treaty of Waitangi was relevant historically because
it gave England sovereignty over New Zealand.  Today, it remains significant in New
Zealand because it is used to press claims for Maori rights to land and other resources
in that country.

The treaty guaranteed Maori rights over
the lands of New Zealand in exchange for their recognition of British sovereignty over
the country.  In the years after the treaty was signed, however, those rights were
encroached upon to a great extent.  Recently, Maoris have used the terms of the treaty
to press claims to fishing rights and the right to compensation for the use of forests,
among other things.

This is the major relevance of the
treaty today.  It is used as a way for the Maori to make claims.  This is a major source
of controversy in New Zealand.