<P> Wellington has been the capital of New Zealand since 1865 . New Zealand's first capital city was Old Russell (Okiato) in 1840--41 . Auckland was the second capital from 1841 until 1865, when Parliament was permanently moved to Wellington after an argument that persisted for a decade . As the members of parliament could not agree on the location of a more central capital, Wellington was decided on by three Australian commissioners . </P> <P> Okiato or Old Russell is a small holiday spot in the Bay of Islands, 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) south of present - day Russell, which was then known as Kororareka . Okiato was New Zealand's first national capital, for a short time from 1840 to 1841, before the seat of government was moved to Auckland . William Hobson arrived in New Zealand on 29 January 1840, the date now celebrated as the Auckland Anniversary Day . On the following day, as Lieutenant - Governor he proclaimed British Sovereignty in New Zealand . 30 January 1840 was the day that the Union Jack was flown on the masthead of the Herald, the ship that brought Hobson to the Bay of islands, and that the flag was saluted by guns . </P>

When did wellington become the capital of new zealand