New Zealand’s second Governor, whose actions were to have a major part in shaping the future of the country, is recalled in Hobson Place.
William Hobson was an Irishman, who had spent most of his life from the age of nine at sea. He was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, reporting to the Governor of New South Wales with specific authority to arrange with Maori leaders for the cession of sovereignty. Hobson achieved his goal when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed at Waitangi on 6 February 1840.
His health was not strong following several bouts of yellow fever while at sea, and he suffered a stroke shortly after the signing of the treaty. September 1842.
He survived, although weakened, until September 1842.
Pic: New Zealand's first Governor was William Hobson. He died in New Zealand in 1842.