New Zealand Prime Minister John Key believes the British had settled the country "peacefully" despite historical records indicating thousands had died in the battle for land after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. An earlier report has sparked controversy with the Waitangi Tribunal decision that the Maori chiefs did not give up their sovereignty to the Crown when the treaty was signed in 1840.

In a report by Stuff.co, Mr Key was interviewed on Northland's Te Hiku Radio and addressed the matter. He said the tribunal's report did not affect the authority of the government to rule over New Zealand. The prime minister said the iwi or the Maori chiefs still play a role in co-governance of the Waikato River, but the Crown bears the responsibility for governing the entire country.

Mr Key said that in his opinion, New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world that was settled in a peaceful manner. He added that the Maori "probably acknowledge" the fact that settlers brought with them capital and skills.

The prime minister's comments had inspired social media users to react under the hashtag #johnkeyhistory. Mr Key told the radio show that he had hoped the finding would not delay the progress of a treaty settlement in the North since the region needs money for economic growth. He said it was necessary to complete the settlement process because the Crown had failed to do its duties under the Treaty.

The meaning and effect of the Treaty in February 1840 were analysed in stage one of the Waitangi Tribunal report. Stage two examined the events after the said date. During that time, British representative William Hobson said he and his agents explained that under the treaty, Britain has the power to control British subjects and protect Maori. The chiefs were reportedly told they would still have their independence and full authority as chiefs.

The tribunal also found that the Maori chiefs had agreed to the treaty on the grounds that they and the governor will be equals in governing their own people. The report did not say anything about how the Crown had gained sovereignty it exercises up to now.

Meanwhile, an expert in Maori health has accused the government of selling a large portion of state housing which will put the Maori's health and economic status at risk. According to Michael Baker from the University of Otago's Housing and Health Research Programme, the Maori make up one-third of social housing. Government cuts in housing may leave them vulnerable. Social Minister Paula Bennett released a statement saying the government is considering options to ensure more New Zealanders have access to housing.