Hobson Street

There are many landmarks named after the first governor of New Zealand - William Hobson.

In all four main centres, there are streets named after him. In New Plymouth, Hobson Street is located at the north-eastern end of the city, below New Plymouth Boys' High School.

Born in Waterford in 1772, Hobson had an early start to his naval career at the tender age of 10.

He revelled in naval life and was reported to have worked 13 years without leave. Gaining a reputation as an effective naval officer, he enjoyed a thrilling career at sea, which involved dodging pirates and visiting exotic countries. However, during these visits, he contracted yellow fever and this was to undermine his health.

Towards the end of his naval career, he was instructed by the British Colonial Office to assist in ensuring New Zealand became a British Colony. He had had some experience in New Zealand and some knowledge of its political affairs. Arriving in New Zealand in late January 1840, his credentials were probably a little light for the magnitude of the task, but there were wider political agendas that led to the appointment.

Hobson's most notable legacy was the drafting of the Treaty of Waitangi, which he hastily put together along with two government officials, James Busby and James Freeman, around January 29, 1840.

This major historic event would explain why his name has such prominence on the New Zealand landscape.

Hobson continued as governor following the signing of the Treaty in the new colony. However he was faced with criticism as settlers became dissatisfied with what had been achieved.

Hobson, still battling the effects of yellow fever and the stresses faced as a governor in a newly established colony, died of a stroke in 1842 at the age of 49. He is buried in Grafton cemetery in Auckland.

This story was originally published in the Taranaki Daily News.