The flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand. This particular flag flown by the New Zealand Company in 1840. Photograph from Te Papa.

On this day in 1835, 34 chiefs signed He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni, known in English as the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand. The document itself preceded the Treaty of Waitangi and proclaimed the sovereignty of the Confederation of the United Tribes (flag pictured above).

Is it time for another declaration of independence? If we made one, what would it say?