From the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 until 1844 small detachments of British Imperial troops based in New Zealand were the only military. This changed as a result of the Flagstaff War,Bay of Islands, Daily Southern Cross, vol 2 issue 101, 22 March 1845, p2 with the colonial government passing a Militia Act on 25 March 1845.Militia Ordinance, Daily Southern Cross, Vol 2 issue 103, 5 April 1845, p2 Militia units were formed in Auckland, Wellington, New Plymouth, and Nelson. Service in the militia was compulsory.
From the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 until 1844 small detachments of British Imperial troops based in New Zealand were the only military. This changed as a result of the Flagstaff War,Bay of Islands Daily Southern Cross, vol 2 issue 101, 22 March 1845, p2 with the colonial government passing a Militia Act on 25 March 1845Militia Ordinance, Daily Southern Cross, Vol 2 issue 103, 5 April 1845, p2 Militia units were formed in Auckland Wellington, New Plymouth, and Nelson. Service in the militia was compulsory.