3. What was the 1831 petition to King William IV?

A missionary named William Yate drafted a letter to King William IV in October 1831, asking the king for protection against the French. Thirteen northern chiefs signed it. Two years later James Busby was appointed as the first British Resident and settled at Waitangi

To King William, The Gracious Chief of England.

King William, We, the chiefs of New Zealand assembled at this place, called the Kerikeri, write to thee, for we hear that thou art the great chief of the other side of the water, since the many ships which come to our land are from thee.

We are a people without possessions. we have nothing but timber, flax, pork and potatoes. We sell these things however to your people; then we see property of the Europeans.

It is only thy land, which is liberal towards us. From thee also come the missionaries who teach us to believe on Jehovah God and on Jesus Christ His Son.

We have heard that the tribe of Marian [the French] is at hand, coming to take away our land. therefore we pray thee to become our friend and the guardian of these islands, lest the teasing of other tribes should come near us, and lest strangers should come and take away our land.

And if any of thy people should be troublesome and vicious towards us we pray thee to be angry with them that they may be obedient, lest the anger of the people of this land fall upon them. This letter is from us, the chief’s of the natives of New Zealand.

(Signed) William Yate,

Secretary to the Church Mission Society, New Zealand.

Wererahi Chief of Paroa.

Rewa Chief of Waimate

Patuone & Nene Two brothers, Chiefs of Hokianga

Kekeao Chief of Ahuahu

Titore Chief of Kororarika

Tamoranaga Chief of Taiamai

Ripe Chief of Mapere

Hara Chief of Ohaiawa

Atuahaere Chief of Kaikohe

Moetara Chief of Pakanai

Matangi Chief of Waima

Taunai Chief of Hutakuta