Colonial New Zealand refers to the period when New Zealand was established as a British colony, starting in 1840 with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. This treaty was an agreement between the British Crown and various Māori chiefs, aimed at ensuring rights and governance. The colony attracted settlers, leading to significant changes in land use and the introduction of European customs. During this time, the population grew as immigrants arrived, and towns like Auckland and Wellington developed. The colonial era also saw conflicts, such as the New Zealand Wars, which arose from land disputes between the British settlers and the Māori.