Early New Zealand History By mck Period: Oct 6, 1679 to Sep 19, 1893 AD Oct 6, 1769 James Cook and his crew make their first sighting of New Zealand Jan 1, 1806 Approx date: First European Women Arrive in NZ Dec 23, 1814 Samuel Marsden, British Missionary, first visit to New Zealand May 1, 1833 Approx date- James Busby "official British resident" in NZ Aug 14, 1839 William Hobson instructed to get British rule in NZ Feb 6, 1840 Treaty of Waitangi signed between NZ and Britain May 3, 1841 William Hobson becomes Governor of NZ May 11, 1845 Hone Heke and Te Kawiti start Flagstaff/Northern Wars Dec 1, 1859 Approx date- gold discovered in Buller Jun 9, 1886 Eruption of Mount Tarawera Aug 1, 1888 Reefton becomes first NZ town to have electricity Sep 19, 1893 Women given the right to vote