Hobson proclaims British sovereignty over New Zealand

21 May 1840

Portrait of William Hobson, 1913
Portrait of William Hobson, 1913 (Alexander Turnbull Library, G-826-1)

Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson proclaimed British sovereignty over all of New Zealand – the North Island on the basis of cession through the Treaty of Waitangi, and South and Stewart Islands by right of discovery.

When sovereignty was proclaimed, Māori signatories to the treaty were still being actively sought – the last were not acquired until 3 September. Hobson’s decision to declare the Crown’s authority over the whole country may have been motivated by rumours that the New Zealand Company was intending to set up its own administration in the Cook Strait region. Hobson’s deputy, Major Thomas Bunbury, also proclaimed sovereignty over Stewart Island by right of discovery on 5 June, as no Māori could be found there to sign the treaty.

In late May, Hobson sent Colonial Secretary and Police Magistrate Willoughby Shortland to Port Nicholson (Wellington) to read the proclamation and demand allegiance to the Crown. The settlers grudgingly assented.