Auckland

On January 29 th 1840 the HMS Herald arrived in the Bay of Islands with Governor William Hobson on board.

John Logan Campbell is often referred to as the Father of Auckland but a better candidate for the title is William Hobson.

It was Hobson who chose Tamaki for the new capital. It was chosen instead of Port Nicholson. It was named after Lord Auckland.

After the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, seven Orakei chiefs approached Hobson on behalf of paramount chief Te Kawau and his tribe, Ngati Whatua o Tamaki.

Maori of the Tamaki Isthmus were vulnerable and reduced in numbers. They felt threatened by the Nga Puhi in the north and the Waikato tribes in the south. The presence of Hobson would give security to the area.

During the five months after the signing of the Treaty, Hobson came to Auckland three times. By August 1840 Hobson had decided to move the capital from the Bay of Islands to Auckland.

Hobson informed London that there were two harbours for comprehensive water transport. Although Auckland had few Maori at the time it was regarded as the geographic centre of Maori population.

On September the 13 th 1840 the barque ‘Anna Watson’ arrived in Auckland. On board was Captain Symonds, six officials and thirty two mechanics, artisans and labourers. Most had been recruited in Sydney.On September the 13 th 1840 the barque ‘Anna Watson’ arrived in Auckland. On board was Captain Symonds, six officials and thirty two mechanics, artisans and labourers. Most had been recruited in Sydney. Example of a barque

The barque Platina was already in Auckland. On board was a prefabricated house for the Governor.

All was ready by the 18 th September It was lovely weather and the official party came ashore near the foot of modern Queen Street.

The party climbed Point Britomart- near Emily Street/Anzac Avenue

Also at the ceremony were Ngati Whatua chiefs and 100 followers. A deed of sale for 3000 acres was signed. A flag was raised. At the base of the flagpole was written ‘Auckland’

The day continued with a 21 gun salute from the Anna Watson and a 15 gun salute from the Platina. They drank to Her majesty’s health and had three cheers. There was a 7 gun salute from the Anna Watson for Hobson then three cheers from the sailors on the ships and a cheer from those on shore.

This was followed by a regatta. The Surveyor-General’s wife, Mrs Matthew recorded that there: ‘was a boat race for sailors, a race for gentlemen and a canoe race for the natives.’

The Surveyor-General’s five oared gig raced against a six oared gig belonging to the captain of the Anna Watson. There was a race between whaleboats for a 5 prize. There was no prize for the Maori boats but each paddler was given ½ lb of tobacco.

It took a further 8 months to get the new Auckland government organised.

Maori provided thatched huts for the officials, mechanics and private settlers. They also provided pork, potatoes, cheap vegetables, firewood and timber. Maori also acted as stonemasons, gardeners and labourers.

Auckland was now the commercial capital of New Zealand.

Auckland celebrates its anniversary on the 29 th January – it should be the 18 th September. The regatta, started so long ago, is still the central feature of Auckland’s celebration.

The End