The Slave Trade, though nominally abolished, is actively pursued here, eighty-three slaves having been landed just before my arrival, and another cargo during my stay.

He took pains to show Māori that he observed the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi assuring them that their land rights would be fully recognised. He oversaw the colony during a difficult formative period. Here he planted a huge array of exotic trees and shrubs acclimatised many bird and animal species and amassed a celebrated collection of rare books and manuscripts artworks and curiosities and artefacts from the Māori people over whom he had ruled.

Sir George Grey KCB (14 April 1812 – 19 September 1898) was a soldier explorer Governor of South Australia twice Governor of New Zealand Governor of Cape Colony (South Africa) the 11th Premier of New Zealand and a writer.