The Colonial Office accepts an offer by New Zealand in October 1885 to pay for a British Consul for Rarotonga on condition that he be nominated by New Zealand, which is at this time a self-governing British colony, for New Zealand and act as the country's official agent.

This "Resident" is also to act as adviser to the ariki in drafting and administering laws; he will sign all acts of the local legislature in the name of the Governor of New Zealand.

He will also have the right to reject proposed legislation.