In search of protection: The true partnership that was sealed on
6 February 1840 was between the Maori leadership and the British
government in London. The chiefs hoped that a London-appointed
Governor would stand between their lands, forests and fisheries
and the Pakeha they feared the most - the settlers who were
coming to stay. This posting is a response to the lively debate
currently raging on the Kiwipolitico blogsite. IT’S JANUARY
1840, two sailing vessels are fast approaching the North Island
of New Zealand. His Majesty’s Ship Herald carries Captain
William Hobson bearing instructions from the Colonial Office to
organise the voluntary cession of the islands of New Zealand to
the British Crown. The other ship, Aurora, carries settlers to
the newly established settlement of Port Nicholson. It has been
chartered by the privately owned and organised New Zealand
Company. Captain Hobson’s instructions are not unrelated to the
purposes for which the Aurora and her passengers set sail. The
islands of New Zeala