In 1840 New Zealand was still under the control of Maori chiefs some of whom formed a group called ''The Confederation of the United Tribes of New Zealand'' however the growing European population was becoming a problem. People were concerned that conflict would arise over land sales when the New Zealand company settlers arrived in New Zealand in 1840.

People were also concerned that another country such as France or the United States might try to take over New Zealand if the British did not act first. It was against this background that the British Government decided to take control of New Zealand through the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

On the 6^th of February 1840 the majority of the chiefs signed the Treaty and over the next few months many chiefs from other parts of New Zealand signed the Treaty. The Treaty had three articles.

1. The chiefs granted the Queen of England the right to govern New Zealand.
2. The British guaranteed the chiefs possession of their land and resources providing they agreed to sell land exclusively to the Queen or her representatives.
3. The British granted the Maori people the rights and privileges of the British.