Who became part of the British empire in 1840?

In 1840, New Zealand became part of the British Empire with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6. This treaty was an agreement between representatives of the British Crown and various Māori chiefs, establishing British sovereignty over New Zealand while ostensibly guaranteeing Māori rights to their land and culture. The incorporation of New Zealand into the empire marked a significant moment in its colonial history.