Influencial Europeans of New Zealand in 1840

In the 19th century, European settlement increased. Trading stations were established and settlers began to arrive more frequently than ever. Before 1840, most Europeans in New Zealand were whalers, sealers, adventures and traders. This change also brought many influential Europeans to New Zealand including William Hobson (primary author of the Treaty of Waitangi), James Busby (British Resident) and Samuel Marsden (introducer of Christianity to New Zealand). This article will what most people agree is the most influential out of all: William Hobson.

Brief Summary

Captain William Hobson was the primary author of the Treaty of Waitangi and also the first governor of New Zealand. Hobson later invited Maori chiefs to sign the Treaty of Waitangi, the document which is considered the founding document of New Zealand. The treaty also established law for New Zealand.

Life Before the Treaty

According to various sources, William Hobson had a long career in the Royal Navy in which he had seen the Napoleonic Wars and which he had also been captured twice by pirates in the Caribbean. Hobson was born in Waterford, Ireland and was the son of Samuel Hobson and Martha Jones. He briefly attended a private school but joined the Royal Navy on the 25th of August 1803.


With instructions to establish a British colony in New Zealand, Hobson left London in July 1839. He arrived in New Zealand on the 29th of January after stopping at Sydney.

During the Treaty

On the 5th of February, Hobson met with Maori chiefs. The following morning, the Maori signed a treaty which transferred the sovereignty of New Zealand to the British Crown.

After the Treaty

After the treaty, Hobson was promoted to governor of New Zealand and also Commander in Chief. However, 2 years later, Hobson fell seriously ill. This detached him from politics. He died in 1842 - only 2 years after signing the treaty.