1840 in New Zealand
1840 is considered a watershed year in the history of New Zealand: The Treaty of Waitangi is signed, British sovereignty over New Zealand is proclaimed, organised European settlement begins, and Auckland and Wellington are both founded. Population. The estimated population of New Zealand at the end of 1840 is 80,000 Māori and 2,050 non-Māori. Incumbents. Government and law. Hobson appointed the following officers to form the first New Zealand Government;