Story: Kotahitanga – unity movements

New Zealand Company flag, 1839

New Zealand Company flag, 1839

This flag was based on the one adopted by Māori chiefs at Waitangi in 1834 as a national flag and known as the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand. It was made on board the Tory during its voyage to New Zealand, and was raised at Petone on 30 September 1839. William Wakefield of the New Zealand Company referred to it as the colours of New Zealand. After the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson sent an armed party to lower the flag on 30 June. The British Union Jack flag was raised the following day.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: GH002925

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Basil Keane, 'Kotahitanga – unity movements - The first Kotahitanga movements, 1834 to 1840', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/object/33578/new-zealand-company-flag-1839 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Basil Keane, published 20 Jun 2012