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Story: He Whakaputanga – Declaration of Independence

1831 letter to King William IV

This letter was sent to King William IV by 13 Māori chiefs from the Bay of Islands in 1831. Its main aim was to seek the king's protection against the French, who had recently sent a naval vessel to New Zealand. The chiefs were also concerned about inter-tribal conflict and the misconduct of British subjects, and wanted the king to defend them against lawlessness so everyone could live peaceably together.

Using this item

United Kingdom National Archives

Reference: CO201/221 Enclosure 8, no. 4

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

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How to cite this page

Basil Keane, He Whakaputanga – Declaration of Independence – Background to the declaration, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/zoomify/35114/1831-letter-to-king-william-iv (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 18 June 2012.

Comments

Dave
14 February 2024
I think you will find that disclaimer about copyright is generic in nature and likely stamped on everything. It is well outside the copyright timeframe 50 years, up to 70 if Author is still alive. I do agree that there should be a copy in plain text so people can read it easier.
Denis Hall
18 May 2023
This letter is difficult to read - and it is a vital part of New Zealand history. I have read it in a word file - but to be a proper repository of history - you guys should accompany this photograph of it with an easy to read example.
Gible Fog
04 May 2018
I object to the United Kingdom National Archives suggesting that a 187 year old letter - an likely technically a government document - is copyrighted and may not be free used.