An overview

Initial British Involvement Increasing law and order issues and an influential humanitarian movement led to increased British involvement in the governing of New Zealand. RESULT: James Busby was appointed first British resident to New Zealand

Treaty of Waitangi In May 1840 after many chiefs had signed the Treaty Hobson proclaimed British Sovereignty over the whole country. In November 1840 New Zealand officially became a separate Crown Colony with William Hobson as its Governor.

Gubernatorial System THE THEORY: This system meant that an Executive Council and Legislative Council was established to help the Governor rule NZ. THE REALITY: The Governor could act against the advise of the Council. This meant that he was effectively an autocrat.

Settler hunger for land Protect Maori interests Governors Dilemma

Ineffective Government There was a push to get rid of this system because it was thought that it was hindering the progress of the country. Accusations were made that the government was ‘irresponsible’ because it had neglected the Southern provinces.

If Maori have no say in the government there will be an uprising. Governor George Grey

1852 Constitution A two tier system of provincial and Central government was created. New Zealand was divided into 10 provinces

Activity Match the province with its name. –Southland –Westland –Marlborough –Otago –Canterbury –Nelson –Wellington –Auckland –New Plymouth –Hawkes Bay

1852 Constitution Political System 1 2 GOVERNOR Executive Council General Assembly Legislative Council (Members appointed by the Governor until1856) House of Representative (Members elected) National Level Provincial Level SUPERINTENDENT (elected) Provincial Councils (Members elected)

General Assembly Consisted of an elected House of representatives and an appointed legislative Council. Dealt with national issues such as customs, currency, courts and postage. All men over the age of 21 who owned or rented property could vote. The first parliament was held in 1854 in Auckland before it was moved to Wellington in 1865.

Provincial Council As they were responsible for colonisation and development they dominated the political scene during this time. Each province was governed by an elected Superintendent and Provincial Council. Development depended on how much money each council could gain from internal revenue or borrowing.

Prosperous Provinces Otago and Canterbury were the two wealthiest provinces due to pastoralism and gold mining. This mean that they had money to embark on ambitious road, harbour tunnelling and immigration programmes.

Oamaru Harbour

Oamaru Railway Station

Separate Maori Representation RESPONSE: The 1867 Maori Representation Act created four Maori seats in the House of Representatives. Kingitanga War Problems govt faced

Central Government For many years settlers were more concerned with local rather than national affairs. Many also lacked the capital to be able to travel to parliament in Wellington. This resulted in the central government being dominated by wealthy men.

No Political Parties Candidates stood independently and ministries were formed not as a result of elections but because local ties and shared views on particular issues. From 1856 – 91 there were 25 ministries. Politics during this time was a minority activity.

Characteristics of Central Government 1.WOMEN – Were unable to vote, stand or hold political posts. 2.MAORI – As land was owned collectively most Maori were unable to vote. 3.WORKING CLASS – Could not afford to stand as candidates and many could not vote because of the property requirements.

Widening of the Franchise As New Zealand developed as a nation changes were made to who could vote. Initially only men over the age of 21 who owned land over £50 could vote. Men that owned more than one property could vote in every electorate in which he owned property.

1867 Maori Representation All Maori men over the age of 21 were entitled to elect representatives to the four Maori Seats. They could also vote in European seats if they met the property requirements.

1879 Universal Male Suffrage All men of the age of 21 who had lived in New Zealand for more than 1 year and in the area they were voting for more than 6 months could vote.

1889 One Man One Vote Prior to this men could vote in all the electorates in which they owned property. This was abolished in 1889.

1893 Female Suffrage Women were granted the right to vote in 1893 making New Zealand the first country in the world to do this.

Party Politics In 1890 party politics began when John Balance led a group of politicians with an agreed policy of labour legislation and land reform. This group became known as the Liberal Party. Their opponents during this time were called ‘The Opposition’.