History of New Zealand

Polynesians were the first settlers to arrive in New Zealand about one thousand years old. Over the next few centuries these settlers developed into a distinct culture now known as Maori. Some explorers from Europe came to New Zealand later. Abel Tasman came to New Zealand in 1642 and James Cook in 1769. He also finished the map of New Zealand. Following Cook, New Zealand was visited by numerous European and North American whaling, sealing and trading ships. Gradually, more and more European had interest in New Zealand. The British government asked New Zealand to claim sovereignty and give a treaty to Maori. The Treaty of Waitangi was first signed on 6 February 1840. The drafting and translation were done unclearly. The Treaty is regarded as New Zealand's foundation as a nation and is revered by Maori as a guarantee of their rights.

During the 1860s, many goldminers arrived in the South Island from overseas. These included Chinese people. They were the first Asian settlers in New Zealand. In 1893, it became the first nation in the world to give women the right to vote. In 1947, New Zealand became a fully independent nation.

***Capitals: Russell 1840
Auckland 1840-1865
Wellington 1865-