These divisions were at first of geographical significance only, not used as a basis for the government of the colony, which was centralised in Auckland.

[2] The situation was altered in 1846 when the New Zealand Constitution Act 1846[3] divided the colony into two provinces: New Ulster and New Munster.

These boundaries incorporated the Cook Strait settlements of Wellington and Nelson into one province, despite being on different islands.

The Provincial Council of New Munster had only one legislative session, in 1849, before it succumbed to the virulent attacks of the Wellington settlers.

[4] Grey implemented the ordinance with such deliberation that neither Council met before advice was received that the United Kingdom Parliament had passed the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852.