Rise and Fall of James Busby: His Majesty's British Resident in New Zealand

James Busby was a key figure in the early history of independent New Zealand, known as the father of the Australian wine industry and the author of New Zealand's Declaration of Independence. This book reconstructs his life in intimate form and exposes the back-room plotting that destroyed his plans for New Zealand, altering the way that Britains colonization of New Zealand is understood.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

James Busby, a prominent figure in the 19th-century British Empire, is often referred to as the father of the Australian wine industry, the author of New Zealand's Declaration of Independence, and a central player in the early history of independent New Zealand. Officially serving as the British government's representative in the volatile society of New Zealand in the 1830s, Busby aimed to establish his own parliament and operate independently of his superiors in London. This led to a clash with the British government, ultimately tarnishing his career. Portrayed as an inept, arrogant, and increasingly bitter individual, this caricature of Busby's character has permeated historical discourse and continues to shape our understanding of his legacy.

In this book, we delve into an extensive array of previously unseen archival records, offering a more intimate reconstruction of Busby's life. Through this lens, we expose the behind-the-scenes plotting that ultimately thwarted his aspirations for New Zealand. Our aim is to challenge the prevailing narrative of Britain's colonization of New Zealand and shed light on the profound impact that individuals, rather than policies, had on shaping the Empire and its rule.

Busby's journey in New Zealand began in 1833 when he was appointed as the British Resident. His initial intentions were to establish a parliamentary system and exercise independent authority, challenging the dominance of the colonial government in London. However, his ambitions soon clashed with the conservative establishment in New Zealand, which viewed his actions as a threat to their interests.

As the conflict escalated, Busby's reputation suffered. He was accused of corruption, inefficiency, and arrogance, leading to widespread criticism and opposition. His attempts to create his own parliament and disregard for British authority further strained his relationship with the colonial government.

Despite these challenges, Busby remained determined to pursue his vision for New Zealand. He believed that the country deserved a more democratic system and that it could thrive independently of British rule. However, his actions ultimately led to his downfall.

In 1840, Busby was recalled to London, and his career as a colonial administrator came to an end. His legacy remains a subject of debate and controversy, with some hailing him as a visionary reformer and others condemning him as a misguided idealist.

This book seeks to provide a balanced and comprehensive account of Busby's life and career. We explore his political ambitions, his interactions with the New Zealand community, and the broader political context of the 19th-century British Empire. By examining the archival records and other primary sources, we aim to shed new light on Busby's character, his achievements, and his ultimate downfall.

In conclusion, James Busby's life and career are a testament to the complex and multifaceted nature of colonialism. His determination to establish a parliamentary system and challenge British authority led to a clash with the colonial government in New Zealand. While his vision for New Zealand was admirable, his actions ultimately resulted in his downfall. This book offers a fresh perspective on Busby's life and legacy, challenging our understanding of the Empire and its rule. It serves as a reminder that individuals, rather than policies, played a crucial role in shaping the course of history, and that the legacy of colonialism continues to be a subject of ongoing debate and exploration.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350116658