Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand

The Declaration of Independence of New Zealand ( Māori He Wakaputanga O Te Rangatiratanga O Nu Tireni ), which was signed at Waitangi of 31 present Māori chiefs of the northern tribes ( iwi ) on October 28, 1835 the first Declaration of Independence of the country New Zealand was before the Treaty of Waitangi.

Background

To become the state of lawlessness in the emerging British settlements in New Zealand since the beginning of European settlement after 1790, the violent clashes in the Musketenkriegen the northern Māori tribes, the efforts Charles Philippe Hippolyte de Thierry, King of New Zealand and the growing interest of France and the United States to New Zealand, eventually led to the increased awareness for a greater commitment of Britain to secure its influence in New Zealand. James Busby, equipped with the status of a British Resident, traveled in 1833 with the mission of the Colonial Office back to New Zealand to show British presence and, inter alia, to attempt to persuade the Māori tribes to self-government.

History

On March 20, 1834 gathered at the invitation of James Busby and in the presence of missionaries, settlers, and commanders of 10 British and 3 American ships, 25 Māori chiefs of the North in Waitangi to choose a flag with three flag designs that the future should represent the country. The flag was then hoisted chose among 21 -gun salute by Busby and was from then on for the alliance of the United Tribes of New Zealand. The flag was accepted by the law of the sea as the national flag of the country New Zealand and should be worn in the future of New Zealand ships. Busby had, inter alia, hoped to unite the various tribes under the symbol of the flag and cause also to abandon their military conflicts. But still did not impress all the tribes of the new development.

Under pressure, the eccentric de Thierry could already create facts and beat him and Britain before coming under pressure to France could with the annexation of New Zealand with the proclamation of an independent state in the Hokianga, finally managed Busby in October 1835 in Waitangi 31 Māori chiefs to assemble, and to have it signed the Declaration of Independence. Although the Chiefs were not involved in the creation of the Declaration, they accepted, and with them until 1839 another 21, so that Busby had available July 1839 52 signers of the Declaration. Domestically changed by nothing, but in foreign policy it was a signal to the French and the United States, that New Zealand was no longer to be had.

The declaration in its German translation

Declaration of Independence of New Zealand

Approved unanimously on this 28th day of October 1835 in the presence of the British Resident of His Majesty.

( Here follow the signatures and signs of thirty-four hereditary chiefs or heads of tribes, which have a fair representation of the tribes of New Zealand, from the North Cape, shaped to the latitude of the Thames River. )

English witnesses: ( signed) Henry Williams, CMS missionary George Clarke, CMS James Clendon, businessman Gilbert Mair, Kaufmann

( signed) James Busby, British Resident in New Zealand.