In 1860, the colonial government of Victoria decided to send "Victoria" to New Zealand, to support British colonists fighting in the First Taranaki War against the Māori people. On 19 April 1860, "Victoria" sailed to Hobart, embarked 134 troops from the 40th Regiment of Foot, and transported them to New Zealand. Prior to her departure, the colonial government passed an Act giving the ship legal status, but this law was overturned by Britain as an attempt to create a naval force independent of the Royal Navy.