trick or treaty

 

1. 1814  First mission

25 december 1814 

First mission at hohi beach in the bay of islands, Samuel Marsden preached in english to a largely maori gathering, launching New Zealand's first christian mission. The ngapuhi leader translated marsdens sermon. The mission station was chosen the following day.

2.  1831 Māori petition the British government

In 1831 a petition was signed by 13 northern maori chiefs was sent to king william IV. They asked for recognition of their trading and missionary contacts with britain. 

3. 1835  Declaration of Independence

He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tirene (the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand) was drawn up by British Resident James Busby without authorisation from his superiors. It asserted the independence of New Zealand, with all sovereign power and authority resting with the hereditary chiefs and tribes.

4. 1837  Britain decides to establish a colony

In December 1837 the British government decided in principle to intervene in New Zealand to ensure that colonisation was regulated and that land transactions that defrauded Māori were stopped. The government had initially tried to avoid assuming responsibility.

5. 1839  Tory sets sail

The first of the New Zealand Company ships, the Tory, set sail for New Zealand in May 1839. The company had an ambitious plan to settle New Zealand, and its agents aboard the Tory where to buy land at Port Nicholson