auckland grammar school was first set up in 1868 by sir george grey. he was the governor of new zealand from 1861-1868. during that time, the new european settlers were fighting with the māori people over land rights issues. the governor of new zealand asked for military help from the british empire. britain sent up to one million soldiers to new zealand to end the problems. many of the soldiers settled with their families in auckland. sir george grey decided to create auckland grammar school to give a very good education to the soldiers' sons.