What was the significance/use of New Zealand when it first became a British colony?

Okay, i hate it when people use this site to do their homework but this is a really minor question so i'll ask it anyway. I'm studying Australia and New Zealand and their significance when they were first colonized by the British. I know about Australia (it was a penal colony, they had gold, etc.) but besides the fact that it's now sheep central I have no idea about New Zealand's significance. What did the British use the island(s) for when they were first colonized? Were they used mostly for sheep farming then too, or were they more significant?

redunicorn2012-02-22T21:06:57Z

Favorite Answer

"Britain was motivated by the desire to forestall other European powers (France established a very small settlement at Akaroa in the South Island later in 1840), to facilitate settlement by British subjects and, possibly, to end the lawlessness of European (predominantly British and American) whalers, sealers and traders. Officials and missionaries had their own positions and reputations to protect."

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