New Zealand became a British colony in 1840, legitimised by the Treaty of Waitangi and Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson's declaration of 21 May declaring sovereignty over the islands.
Grey assumed control on 18 November 1845. He believed FitzRoy’s
negotiations were ‘inconsistent with the interests of the British
Government’. Negotiations broke down in early December. Grey ordered Despard to move against Kawiti's new pa, Ruapekapeka.
Robert FitzRoy, the second Governor of New Zealand (1843-45), took his own life at his home in Surrey. Opinion on his governorship has always been divided.
Robert FitzRoy, who first visited New Zealand as commander of the Beagle in 1835, was Governor from 1843, succeeding the late William Hobson. He served until 1845, when he was recalled to Britain and replaced by George Grey.
