The Treaty of Waitangi is first signed in the Bay of Islands on February 6, 1840.

In response to the New Zealand Company's attempts to establish an independent settlement in Wellington and French settlers purchasing land in Akaroa, William Hobson declares British sovereignty over all of New Zealand on May 21, 1840, even though copies of the Treaty are still circulating throughout the country for Māori to sign.

With the signing of the Treaty and declaration of sovereignty the number of immigrants, particularly from the United Kingdom, begins to increase.