This is the place

In 1833 James Busby was appointed as the first British Resident for New Zealand, partly in response to concern from both Maori and presiding missionairies about the possible establishment of a French colony.

The Treaty House today incorporates the original residency, built in 1833-34, a south wing added by Busby, and replacement north wing built in 1933. Most of the house is built from Australian hardwood, which was shipped to the Bay of Islands, and then assembled on site. The roof shingles were made of local kauri. In 1840 the Residency boasted just one large bedroom, a living room, a central hall and a small dressing room.

In 1844 Busby lead an expedition to the Unites States to sell a load of kauri gum. In his absence, war broke out between some local tribes and the Government. Concerned for their safety, his wife and children retreated to Sydney. During this time, the house suffered damage, and became a camp for British soldiers.

Unfortunately for Busby, his role was always going to be difficult, as he was not supported by any resources to offer any genuine protection to either settlers or Maori, but he was effective in a role of mediator between different groups in the area.

As lawlessness in Kororareka (Russell) became out of hand, Captain William Hobson was sent to New Zealand as the country's first Governor. His task was to persuade the local Maori chiefs to unite themselves with Great Britain, in order to protect them from the French threat. This lead to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Once the 'treaty' house was sold by the Busby's in 1882, it went through five decades of, alternately, neglect and restoration. It was purchased by Lord Bledisloe in 1932, who saw the historical value in the propety, and undertook major restoration work, first in 1933 and again in 1990.