 Henry Williams—and it stridently opposed the Treaty of Waitangi, which was an obstacle to the company obtaining the greatest possible amount of New Zealand land at the cheapest price.The company, in turn, was frequently criticised by the Colonial Office and New Zealand Governors for its "trickery" and lies.Missionaries in New Zealand were also critical of the company, fearing its activities would lead to the "conquest and extermination" of Maori inhabitants.