James Busby

SummaryBrief biography of James Busby (1802-1871), British Resident in New Zealand, with links to related events, people of interest, and items in our archives collections.Main Body

Edinburgh-born James Busby (1802-1871) was British Resident, a consular representative, in New Zealand from 1833. Busby’s main duties, as outlined in instructions from Governor Richard Bourke of New South Wales, were to protect the more orderly British settlers and traders and prevent 'outrages' by the less orderly Europeans against Māori.

He was involved in drafting the 1835 Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand and in early 1840 he helped William Hobson draft the Treaty of Waitangi. The document was explained, debated and signed at the great gathering at Busby's Waitangi home – now the 'Treaty House'.

Busby also has a claim to fame as our first winemaker. He trained in Europe as a viticulturalist, and brought a collection of grapevines that helped to found the Australian wine industry. In the late 1830s he established a vineyard at Waitangi. He died in 1871 while visiting England for an eye operation.

SourcesNZ History: James Busby

Publications

British Parliamentary Papers 1889 no.C.5620 Report on the statistics of the colony for 1887

British Parliamentary Papers 1866 no.3695 Further papers relative to the affairs of New Zealand

British Parliamentary Papers 1849 no.1120 Further papers relative to the affairs of New Zealand Correspondence with Governor Grey

British Parliamentary Papers 1835 no.585 Communications received at the Colonial Office

British Parliamentary Papers 1838 no.680 Report from the Select Committee of the House of Lords

British Parliamentary Papers 1838 no.122 Copy of a despatch from Governor Sir R. Bourke, K.C.B. to Lord Glenelg

British Parliamentary Papers 1840 no.582 Report from the Select Committee on New Zealand

British Parliamentary Papers 1840 no.560 Despatches from the Governor of New South Wales relative to New Zealand

British Parliamentary Papers 1840 no.238 Correspondence with the Secretary of State

British Parliamentary Papers 1842 no.569 Copies of papers and despatches relative to New Zealand

British Parliamentary Papers 1844 no.556 Report from the Select Committee on New Zealand

Stories (Person)

Tāmati Wāka Nene

Hōne Heke

William Hobson

Stories (Events)

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi

McDonald, James Ingram, 1865-1935.
Head and shoulders portrait of James Busby, British Resident, 1830. 1903.. Ref: A-044-008. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23133573

Personal Information

First Name(s)JamesSurnameBusbyDate of Birth7 February 1802Date of Death15 July 1871

Relates to

Subject (keywords)New Zealand -- Politics and government -- HistoryKōrero neheTe Tīriti o Waitangi -- The Treaty of WaitangiPersonTāmati Wāka NeneWilliam HobsonHōne HekeEventsThe signing of the Treaty of WaitangiTe Tiriti o Waitangi