1834 United Tribes of New Zealand

The United Tribes of New Zealand was a loose confederation of Māori tribes based in the north of the North Island. The confederation was convened in 1834 by British Resident James Busby, who was anxious to set up a framework for trade between Māori and Europeans. The United Tribes declared their independence in 1835 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In 1836, the British Crown under King William IV recognized the United Tribes and its flag.