Story: Colonial and provincial government

Provinces were established under the 1846 constitution. There were just two – New Ulster, which took in most of the North Island, and New Munster, which included Wellington, the South Island and Stewart Island. Lieutenant-Colonel Edward John Eyre was appointed lieutenant-governor of New Munster in 1846. Eyre’s tenure in the position was not successful, as he and Governor George Grey did not get on. Under the 1852 constitution appointed lieutenant-governors were replaced by elected superintendents, who retained many of the responsibilities of lieutenant-governors.