Legal and Political Activities
It is said that during their five month voyage they set out much of the foundations of the laws they intended to frame for the new colony. Certainly they must have arrived prepared, as within six months of their arrival in New Zealand on 25 September 1841 they had passed 19 enactments creating the basis of governance in the new colony. Swainson frequently defended the interests of the MÄoris on the issue of land claims from settlers, notably over disputes concerning the Treaty of Waitangi, which had been signed in 1840.
George Grey became governor in November 1845. Swainson, Martin and Grey together formulated components of the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852. Swainson remained Attorney-General until 7 May 1856 when responsible government began in New Zealand. He was replaced as Attorney-General by Frederick Whitaker. Swainson was appointed to the subsequent New Zealand Legislative Council (the upper house) and became its first Speaker. He remained in this position for about one year, and was also replaced in this position by Frederick Whitaker in 1855. Swainson remained a member of the Legislative Council until 1867.
Read more about this topic: William Swainson (lawyer)
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