William Hobson was a British naval officer and the first Governor of New Zealand. He played a crucial role in the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, which established a formal agreement between the British Crown and the Māori chiefs. This treaty is considered a foundational document in New Zealand's history. Hobson arrived in New Zealand in 1839 and worked to establish British authority in the region. His leadership helped to shape the early governance of New Zealand, although his tenure was marked by challenges, including conflicts with the Māori and issues related to land ownership.