"The New Zealand Herald" was founded by William Chisholm Wilson, and first published on 13 November 1863. Wilson had been a partner with John Williamson in the "New Zealander", but left to start a rival daily newspaper as he saw a business opportunity with Auckland's rapidly growing population. He had also split with Williamson because Wilson supported the war against the Māori (which the "Herald" termed "the native rebellion") while Williamson opposed it. The "Herald" also promoted a more constructive relationship between the North and South Islands.