In 1842, Rēkohu and the surrounding islands were annexed to New Zealand. At this time, the Crown was aware that Moriori had been subjugated and that many had died at the hands of their captors. Moriori karāpuna pleaded for the protection owed to them under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, but for many years the Crown failed to act to end Moriori subjugation. Many karāpuna continued to suffer greatly and died in oppressive conditions, including some who died of an illness known to Moriori as kongenge, a deep despair of the spirit.