The National Statement on Religious Diversity is a result of the New Zealand Diversity Action Programme, and is intended to provide a framework for the recognition of New Zealand's diverse faith communities and their harmonious interaction with each other, with government and with other groups in society. Preamble: New Zealand is a country of many faiths with a significant minority who profess no religion. Increasing religious diversity is a significant feature of public life. At the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, Governor Hobson affirmed, in response to a question from Catholic Bishop Pompallier, "the several faiths (beliefs) of England, of the Wesleyans, of Rome, and also Maori custom shall alike be protected". This foundation creates the opportunity to reaffirm an acknowledgement of the diversity of beliefs in New Zealand.