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Today in History
21 May
1840 Hobson proclaims sovereignty over NZ
Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson proclaimed sovereignty over all of New Zealand: over the North Island on the basis of cession by the Treaty of Waitangi and the southern islands by right of discovery.
In May 1840 Maori agreement to the terms of the Treaty was still being sought. Hobson's decision to declare the Crown's authority over the whole country may have been motivated by the actions of the New Zealand Company. Hobson had learned of possible moves by the Company to set up its own administration around Cook Strait. Hobson's deputy, Major Bunbury, also made proclamations of sovereignty over Stewart Island on 5 June by right of discovery as no Maori could be found there to sign the Treaty.
In late May, Hobson sent Colonial Secretary and Police Magistrate Willoughby Shortland to the Port Nicholson settlement to read the proclamation and demand allegiance to the Crown.
New Zealand remained a dependency of New South Wales until November 1840, when it became a separate colony.
Image: William Hobson
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