It became debatable later on as to whether the Maoris truly understood the concept of the document they were signing.
De Thierry had plans for the systematic colonisation of New Zealand, similar to those ideas of Edward Gibbon Wakefield. It was not until 1837, 15 years later, that de Thierry arrived in New Zealand to claim his land. During this long lapse of time the Maori chiefs from Hokianga had sold portions of de Thierry´s land to other Europeans, who settled the land and thus brought economic opportunities to the local people. The Maoris were also aware by this time that their land was of more value than 36 axes.
Captain Stewart, of the merchant ship „Elizabeth“, had arranged the transport of Te Rauparaha, chief of the Ngati Toa tribe, to the South Island in 1830, in return for a load of flax. From the South Island, Te Raparaha was then able to lead surprise raids against the Ngati Tahu tribe at Akaroa. Stewart also assisted in transporting the Ngati Tahu Chief Tamaiharanui to Kapiti Island, where he was subsequently tortured and killed by the Ngati Toa. (Because of this incident, Ahu, a relative of Tamaiharanui, went to Sydney to request intervention concerning the control of British citizens in New Zealand.)
In spite of this, on de Thierry´s arrival in New Zealand the Hokianga chiefs generously offered him a smaller portion of land on the understanding that he renouce his claim to the 40,000 acres in the deed of sale. However, before de Thierry arrived back in New Zealand, the British Government had nominated James Busby, in 1833, to act as „Official British Resident“. When de Thierry returned to Hokianga in 1837 aboard the vessel „Nimrod“, accompanied by a small group of colonists, he found a New Zealand on the way to British annexation. He subsequently wrote an autobiography, naming himself as the principal pioneer colonist of New Zealand.
March 1834, Busby held a meeting at Waitangi with northern Maori Chiefs. Busby put forward the idea of voting on a national flag, so that ships built and registred in New Zealand would fly the Independent Tribes flag and therefore be recognised according to maritime law. The new flag was voted, and was also hoisted and flown on land, at the Bay of Islands.
In October 1835 Busby called for a second meeting when he heard rumours that Baron de Thierry had plans of setting up an independent state of Hokianga.