New Zealand Constitution Act 1846 passed

Background. Following a campaign for self-government by settlers in 1846, the Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the New Zealand Constitution Act 1846. This Act intended to grant self-government to the Colony of New Zealand, requiring Māori to pass an English-language test to participate in the new colonial government. Colonial Secretary Earl Grey sent the Act to Governor George Grey with instructions to implement self-government.

Implementation and Suspension. Governor George Grey suspended the implementation of the majority of the Act. However, he proceeded to implement the ordinance with such deliberation that neither Council met before advice was received that the Parliament at Westminster had passed the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852. The 1846 Act formally remained part of New Zealand's constitution until it was replaced by the 1852 Act.

Provincial Creation. Grey oversaw the establishment of the first provinces of New Zealand, New Ulster and New Munster. In early 1848, he appointed Major-General Pitt as Lieutenant-Governor of New Ulster and Edward John Eyre as Lieutenant-Governor of New Munster. The Government of New Zealand Act 1848 stipulated that parts of the 1846 Act dealing with provincial assemblies were not to come into force for another five years.