Colonial Office and Predecessor: New Zealand Original Correspondence

CO 209

1830-1922

This series contains original correspondence relating to New Zealand

Bound volumes arranged chronologically within the following subject headings: Despatches (letters of the governors), Offices (letters of government departments and other organisations) and Individuals (arranged alphabetically). Each volume with a contents list, or précis of each letter giving name of correspondent, date of letter and subject matter.

For correspondence with the New Zealand Company CO 208

For correspondence after 1922 see CO 532

Public Record(s)

English

313 volume(s)

Topics

International

Australia and Pacific

New Zealand was settled by British from 1814 but was under the jurisdiction of New South Wales until 1841. In 1840, following an agreement signed with local leaders, the British Crown claimed sovereignty over North Island. Later that year the British proclaimed sovereignty over South Island by right of settlement. In 1841 the islands became a separate colony under a governor appointed by the War and Colonial Department. The New Zealand Company, formed in 1839 to purchase and sell land to colonists, continued to operate until 1850, when it surrendered its charter. In 1907 New Zealand obtained dominion status under a governor-general.

Microfilm copies were created as part of the Australian Joint Copying Project (1948-1997). The microfilm images have been digitised and made available online by the National Library of Australia.