The New South Wales government played an important role in New Zealand in the 1830s. An official British government presence in New Zealand was made in 1833 with the appointment of James Busby as British Resident.
The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1835. Maori have seen the short document as British recognition of an independent Maori nation, although at the time it seems to have had little practical effect.
On 28 October 1835 James Busby called a hui (meeting) at Waitangi. Thirty-four northern chiefs, known as the Confederation of United Tribes, signed 'A Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand' and called upon King William IV of Britain to become their 'father and protector'. They also thanked the King for acknowledging their flag.
