Story: He Whakaputanga – Declaration of Independence

Europeans involved in the declaration: Henry Williams (1st of 3)

Europeans involved in the declaration: Henry Williams

This is missionary Henry Williams in the mid-1850s. Williams had an important role during the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and later the Treaty of Waitangi, in assisting with the translation of terms. He was known by Māori either as Te Karu-whā (four eyes) because of his spectacles, or as Te Wiremu. His younger brother William Williams was known as Wiremu Parata (Brother Williams).

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: C-020-005
Lithograph by Charles Baugniet

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Basil Keane, 'He Whakaputanga – Declaration of Independence - The contents of the declaration', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/35120/europeans-involved-in-the-declaration-henry-williams (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Basil Keane, published 20 Jun 2012