Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand at Waitangi

Background. James Busby left for New Zealand on HMS Imogene in April 1833 and arrived in the Bay of Islands on 5 May 1833, having been sent by the Colonial Office to serve as the official British Resident and anxious to set up a framework for trade between Māori and Europeans. In 1834, some chiefs selected a flag now known as the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand for use on ships originating from New Zealand. In 1835, Busby learned that Baron Charles de Thierry, a Frenchman, was proposing to declare French sovereignty over New Zealand. The United Tribes of New Zealand was a confederation of Māori tribes based in the north of the North Island, existing from 1835 to 1840.

Signing of the Declaration. On 28 October 1835, 34 northern Māori chiefs signed He Whakaputanga at Waitangi in the presence of James Busby. The document declared the independence of their country as an Independent State under the designation of The United Tribes of New Zealand. Signatories included Tāmati Wāka Nene, Tītore, Te Wharerahi, and Moka Te Kainga-mataa. Further signatures followed, reaching 52 chiefs by 1839.

Recognition and Aftermath. The signatories sent a copy to King William IV, asking him to act as protector. The King acknowledged the flag and recognized the declaration in a letter from Lord Glenelg dated 25 May 1836. The United Tribes received limited acknowledgement from Great Britain, which later proclaimed the Colony of New Zealand upon the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.