Flag "Pumuka"

This Union Jack flag was gifted by the British Resident James Busby to the chief Pūmuka in 1833 in recognition of the goodwill, help, and support he gave him in facilitating good relations with local Māori leaders.

The following year Pūmuka assisted Busby to call a meeting of the regional tribes to decide upon an internationally recognised National Māori flag to be used by Māori trading vessels. The representative chiefs chose from three flags,deciding on a british naval ensign.

In 1835 Pūmuka again assisted Busby to call a gathering of chiefs at Busby's residence at Waitangi, this time to consider signing a declaration drafted by Busby recognising the independent authority of the native chiefs of New Zealand. A total of 52 prominent representative tribal leaders, who had gathered together as the inaugural assembly of the Confederation of United Tribes of New Zealand, signed the 1835 Declaration of Independence | He Whakaputanga.

Pūmuka was an early vocal supporter at the Treaty debates, and was the 6th signatory to the Treaty of Waitangi.