A Positive Start

Growing numbers of British migrants arrived in New Zealand in the late 1830s. Maori were interested in the goods, skills and ideas that the British brought with them.

Two chiefs even sailed to England to visit the King in 1820.

Before the signing of the Treaty, the relationship between British and Maori was positive.

Positive trading partnerships

Maori and Pakeha were happily working together and trading with each other.

New Zealand's high-quality timber was in demand throughout the world. It was mostly wanted for building ships. Pakeha also wanted flax fibres to make rope for their ships. Maori and Pakeha worked together to export the timber to Australia and Britain.

Also, Maori were successfully trading their produce like pork and potatoes to sailers and whalers.

Both Maori and Pakeha wanted to protect their business, so the Treaty was needed.

Missionaries

Missionaries played an important role. They hoped that helping and giving to Maori would help convert (change) them to Christianity.

The Missionaries brought books and helped Maori learn to read and write. They also gave Maori new farming equipment and methods.

Danger Emerges

With the huge number of European ships landing in New Zealand, there was fear for Maori safety and land ownership. Escaped prisoners from New South Wales, sailors and adventurers were violent and ignoring the laws of New Zealand. There was also fears that the French were planning to annex (take over) New Zealand.

Whalers came from many countries, such as Australia, France, America and Britain. Whalers had a tough job, spending many months at sea and in dangerous situations. When they arrived to New Zealand, they were very unruly. Lots of fighting and lawlessness broke out because of the whalers, causing concern for Maori and the local Missionaries. Because of this, Russell (Kororareka) became known as the "hell hole of the pacific".

Threat of the French

Many events sparked off Maori appeals to Britain for protection. The first in 1831 when it was rumoured that the French naval vessel La Favourite intended to annex New Zealand to France in retaliation for the killing of Marion du Fresne and his crew. After this 13 powerful northern chiefs did send a letter to the King asking him to become their friend, guardian and protector of these islands.

There was also a threat from Baron Charles Philippe Hippolyte de Thierry to declare a French Sovereignty over New Zealand. He had purchased a large area of land at Hokianga and it was rumoured that he had summoned a French warship to enforce his Sovereignty.

Maori needed protection from the Crown and believed this would mean Maori would still have control of New Zealand.

credit: whyatreaty

Gathering your thoughts

Choose from one of the following activities:

Ready for the scavenger hunt?

Click on the icon on the right to begin!

Remember to read each question carefully and answer with CAPITALS and NO SPACES.

Sources of information

whyatreaty

nzhistory

SMC History