New Zealand, still part of the colony of New South Wales, becomes a separate Colony of New Zealand on July 1, 1841.

Armed conflict begins between the Colonial government and Māori in 1843 with the Wairau Affray over land and disagreements over sovereignty.

These conflicts, mainly in the North Island, see thousands of Imperial troops and the Royal Navy come to New Zealand and become known as the New Zealand Wars.

Following these armed conflicts, large amounts of Māori land are confiscated by the government to meet settler demands.