History of New Zealand

The history of New Zealand dates back at least 700 years to when it was discovered and settled by
Polynesians, who developed a distinct Māori culture centred on kinship links and land. The first European
explorer to sight New Zealand was Dutch navigator Abel Tasman on 13 December 1642. The Dutch were
also the first non-natives to explore and chart New Zealand's coastline. Captain James Cook, who reached
New Zealand in October 1769 on the first of his three voyages, was the first European explorer to
circumnavigate and map New Zealand. From the late 18th century, the country was regularly visited by
explorers and other sailors, missionaries, traders and adventurers. In 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was
signed between the British Crown and various Māori chiefs, bringing New Zealand into the British
Empire and giving Māori the same rights as British subjects. There was extensive British settlement
throughout the rest of the century and into the early part of the next century. War and the imposition of a
European economic and legal system led to most of New Zealand's land passing from Māori to Pākehā
(European) ownership, and most Māori subsequently became impoverished.
From the 1890s the New Zealand Parliament enacted a number of progressive initiatives, including
women's suffrage and old age pensions. The country remained an enthusiastic member of the British
Empire, and 110,000 men fought in World War I (see New Zealand Expeditionary Force). After the war
New Zealand signed the Treaty of Versailles (1919), joined the League of Nations, and pursued an
independent foreign policy, while its defence was still controlled by Britain.
When World War II broke out in 1939, New Zealanders contributed to the defence of the British Empire;
the country contributed some 120,000 troops. From the 1930s the economy was highly regulated and an
extensive welfare state was developed. Meanwhile, Māori culture underwent a renaissance, and from the
1950s Māori began moving to the cities in large numbers. This led to the development of a Māori protest
movement which in turn led to greater recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi in the late 20th century.
The country's economy suffered in the aftermath of the 1973 global energy crisis, the loss of New
Zealand's biggest export market upon Britain's entry to the European Economic Community, and rampant
inflation. In 1984, the Fourth Labour Government was elected amid a constitutional and economic crisis.
The interventionist policies of the Third National Government were replaced by "Rogernomics", a
commitment to a free market economy. Foreign policy after 1980 became more independent especially in
pushing for a nuclear-free zone. Subsequent governments have generally maintained these policies,
although tempering the free market ethos somewhat.
Culture of New Zealand
The culture of New Zealand is essentially a Western culture influenced by the unique environment and
geographic isolation of the islands, and the cultural input of the indigenous Māori and the various waves
of multi-ethnic migration which followed the British colonisation of New Zealand.
Polynesian explorers reached the islands between 1250 and 1300 CE. Over the ensuing centuries of
Polynesian expansion and settlement, Māori culture developed from its Polynesian roots. Māori
established separate tribes, built fortified villages (Pā), hunted and fished, traded commodities, developed
agriculture, arts and weaponry, and kept a detailed oral history. Regular European contact began from
1800, and British immigration proceeded rapidly, especially from 1855. Colonists had a dramatic effect on
the Māori, bringing Christianity, advanced technology, the English language, numeracy and literacy. In
1840 Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, intended to enable the tribes to live peacefully with the
colonists. However, after several incidents, the New Zealand wars broke out from 1845, with Māori
suffering a loss of land, partly through confiscation, but mainly through widespread and extensive land
sales. Māori retained their identity, mostly choosing to live separately from settlers and continuing to
speak and write te reo Māori. With mass migration from Britain, a high Māori death rate and low life
expectancy for Māori women, the indigenous population figure dropped between 1850 and 1930,
becoming a minority.
European New Zealanders (Pākehā), despite their location far from Europe, retained strong cultural ties
to "Mother England". These ties were weakened by the demise of the British Empire and loss of special
access to British meat and dairy markets. Pākehā began to forge a separate identity influenced by their
pioneering history, a rural lifestyle and New Zealand's unique environment. Pākehā culture became
prevalent after the wars, but after sustained political efforts, biculturalism and the Treaty of Waitangi
became part of the school curriculum in the late 20th century, to promote understanding between Māori
and Pākehā.
More recently, New Zealand culture has been broadened by globalisation and immigration from the
Pacific Islands, East Asia and South Asia. Non-Māori Polynesian cultures are apparent, with Pasifika, the
world's largest Polynesian festival, now an annual event in Auckland.
New Zealand marks two national days of remembrance, Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day, and also
celebrates holidays during or close to the anniversaries of the founding dates of each province. New
Zealand has two national anthems of equal status; "God Save the Queen" and "God Defend New
Zealand"—the latter of which is often sung with alternating Māori and English verses. Many citizens
prefer to minimise ethnic divisions, simply calling themselves New Zealanders or Kiwis.
Tourists Attractions in New Zealand
1. Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, South Island

Fiordland National Park and Milford

Sound, South Island

A World Heritage Site, Fiordland

National Park protects some of the
most spectacular scenery in the
country. Glaciers sculpted this
dramatic landscape carving the
famous fjords of Milford, Dusky,
and Doubtful Sounds. Visitors here can
explore gushing cascades, offshore
islands, virgin rainforests, vast
lakes, and craggy mountain peaks.
Not surprisingly, the park is a haven for hikers with some of the country's best walks, including the
famous Milford Track. Sea kayaking is a popular way to explore the fjords, and visitors can also enjoy a
scenic flight over the park for a bird's eye view of its staggering beauty.

2. Bay of Islands, North Island

Bay of Islands, North Island

A three-hour drive north of Auckland, the beautiful Bay of Islands is one of the most popular vacation
destinations in the country. More than 144 islands dot the glittering bay making it a haven for sailing and
yachting. Penguins, dolphins, whales, and marlin live in these fertile waters, and the region is a popular
sport fishing spot. Visitors can sea kayak along the coast, hike the many island trails, bask in secluded
coves, tour Cape Brett and the famous rock formation called Hole in the Rock, and explore sub-tropical
forests where Kauri trees grow. The quaint towns in the area such as Russell, Opua, Paihia, and Kerikeri
are great bases for exploring this scenic bay.

3. Queenstown, South Island

Queenstown, South Island

Snuggled between the shores of shimmering Lake Wakatipu and the snowy peaks of the Remarkables,
Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital and one of the country's top destinations for international
visitors. Bungee jumping, jet boating, white-water rafting, paragliding, rock climbing, mountain biking,
and downhill skiing are just some of the adrenaline-fueled sports on offer, and visitors can explore the
stunning alpine scenery on the excellent network of hiking trails. In addition to the adventure sports,
Queenstown offers all the creature comforts with first-class hotels, spas, restaurants, galleries, and shops.
It's also a great base for trips to the Central Otago region, where visitors can explore gold mining towns
and the Middle Earth scenery from the popular "Lord of the Rings" movies.

4. Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, North Island

Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, North Island

In the centre of the North Island, a few kilometers from glittering Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake,
Tongariro National Park is a dual World Heritage Site due to its spectacular volcanic features and its
importance to the Maori culture. In 1887, Maori chief Te Heuheu Tukino IV gifted the volcanic peaks of
Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and part of Ruapehu to the people of New Zealand in order to preserve this sacred
land. One of the oldest national parks in the world, Tongariro is a land of dramatic beauty with towering
volcanoes, turquoise lakes, arid plateaus, alpine meadows, and hot springs. A highlight of the park is the
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the most popular day walks in the country.

5. Rotorua, North Island

Rotorua, North Island

On the tumultuous Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua is one of the most active geothermal regions in the world.
This is a land where the earth speaks. Boiling mud pools, hissing geysers, volcanic craters, and steaming
thermal springs betray the forces that birthed much of New Zealand's dramatic topography. Visitors can
take a walking tour of these geothermal wonders, soak in steaming mineral springs, and learn about the
region's rich Maori history and culture. Adventure seekers will also find plenty of things to do. Sky-
diving, luging, and mountain biking are some of the activities on offer. Trout fishing is also popular, and
Rotorua is the gateway to the ski fields of Mt. Ruapehu. Nearby Wai-O-Tapu is also a popular tourist
attraction with colorful hot springs and the famous Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser.
New Zealanders
New Zealanders, colloquially known as Kiwis, are people associated with New Zealand, sharing a
common history and culture. People of various ethnicities and national origins are citizens of New
Zealand, governed by its nationality law.

Originally composed solely of the indigenous Māori, the ethnic makeup of the population has been
dominated since the 19th century by New Zealanders of European descent, mainly of Scottish, English,
Welsh and Irish ancestry, with smaller percentages of other European ancestries such as German, Dutch,
Scandinavian and South Slavic. Today, the ethnic makeup of the New Zealand population is undergoing a
process of change, with new waves of immigration, higher birth rates and increasing interracial marriage
resulting in the New Zealand population of Māori, Asian, Pacific Islander and multiracial descent growing
at a higher rate than those of solely European descent, with such groups projected to make up a larger
proportion of the population in the future. New Zealand has an estimated resident population of around
4,793,700 (as of June 2017). Over one million New Zealanders recorded in the 2013 New Zealand census
were born overseas.
While most New Zealanders are resident in New Zealand, there is also a significant diaspora, estimated
at around 750,000. Of these, around 640,800 lived in Australia (a June 2013 estimate), which was
equivalent to 14% of the domestic population of New Zealand. Other communities of New Zealanders
abroad are predominantly concentrated in other English-speaking countries, specifically the United
Kingdom, the United States and Canada, with smaller numbers located elsewhere.
Despite its multiethnic composition, the culture held in common by most New Zealanders can also be
referred to as mainstream "New Zealand culture", a Western culture largely derived from the traditions of
British and other Northern European colonists, settlers, and immigrants. It also includes influences of
Māori culture. Large-scale immigration in the 20th and 21st centuries from Asia, such as Chinese and
Indians, introduced a variety of elements.
New Zealand Cuisine
New Zealand cuisine is largely driven by local ingredients and seasonal variations. An island nation with
a primarily agricultural economy, New Zealand yields produce from land and sea. Similar to the cuisine of
Australia, the cuisine of New Zealand is a diverse British-based cuisine, with Mediterranean and Pacific
Rim influences as the country becomes more cosmopolitan.

Historical influences came from Māori culture. New American cuisine, Southeast Asian, East Asian, and
South Asian culinary traditions have become popular since the 1970s.

In New Zealand households, dinner is the main meal of the day, when families gather and share their
evening together. Restaurants and takeaways provide an increasing proportion of the diet.

Developed in New Zealand:

 Hāngi food

 Pavlova

 Colonial goose

 Lolly cake

 Pork and puha

 Hokey pokey ice cream

 Anzac biscuits

 Afghan biscuits

 Sausage sizzle

 Whitebait

 Marmite (The New Zealand version, different from the English version)
Imported cuisines, now significant in New Zealand:

 Fish and chips

 Roast lamb and mutton

 Vegemite (the Australian version)

 Scones
 Lamingtons

 Meat pies
Prime Minister of New Zealand
The Prime Minister of New Zealand (Māori: Te Pirimia o Aotearoa) is the head of government of New
Zealand. The current Prime Minister is Jacinda Ardern, leader of the New Zealand Labour Party, who took
office on 26 October 2017.
The Prime Minister is the most senior government minister, and chairs cabinet meetings. He or she also
has the responsibility of administering the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The office
exists by a long-established convention, which originated in New Zealand's former colonial power, the
United Kingdom. The convention stipulates that the Governor-General of New Zealand (the monarch's
representative) must select as Prime Minister the person most likely to command the confidence of the
House of Representatives. This individual is typically the leader of the political party that holds the largest
number of seats in that chamber.
The title "Prime Minister" had made its first formal appearance in the 1873 Schedule of the Civil List Act,
but originally the head of government was titled colonial secretary or first minister. This was changed in
1869 to "premier". That title remained in use for more than 30 years, being informally changed by Richard
Seddon to "Prime Minister" in 1901 during his tenure in office. Following the declaration of New Zealand
as a dominion in 1907, the term "Prime Minister" has been used exclusively. New Zealand prime ministers
are styled as The Right Honourable, a privilege maintained for life.
National Anthem of New Zealand (God Defend New
Zealand)
God of nations! at Thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our Free Land.
Guard Pacific's triple star,
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand
May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our Free Land.
Guide her in the nations' van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy Glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.

Men of ev'ry creed and race

Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our Free Land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our State,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.

Peace, not war, shall be our boast,

But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our Free Land.
Lord of battles in thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.

Let our love for Thee increase,

May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our Free Land.
From dishonour and from shame
Guard our country's spotless name
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.
National Flag of New Zealand
The flag of New Zealand is a defaced Blue Ensign with the Union Flag in the canton, and four red stars with white
borders to the right. The stars' pattern represents the asterism within the constellation of Crux, the Southern Cross.

New Zealand's first flag, the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, was adopted in 1834, six years before New
Zealand became a British colony following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Chosen by an assembly of
Māori chiefs at Waitangi in 1834, the flag was of a St George's Cross with another cross in the canton containing four
stars on a blue field. After the formation of the colony in 1840, British ensigns began to be used. The current flag was
designed and adopted for use on Colonial ships in 1869, was quickly adopted as New Zealand's national flag, and given
statutory recognition in 1902.

For several decades there has been debate about changing the flag. In 2016, a two-stage binding referendum on a flag
change took place with voting on the second final stage closing on 24 March. In this referendum, the country voted to
keep the existing flag by 57% to 43%.
 Symbol Image Adopted
Flag Flag of 24 March 1902 A Blue Ensign with
New the Southern Cross of
Zealand four white-edged red
five-pointed stars
centered on the outer
half of the flag.
Coat of Coat of Adopted in 1911 The symbols on the
arms arms of and revised in 1956 shield represent the
New country's maritime
Zealand trade, agriculture and
industry. A European
woman and a Māori
chief flank the left and
right sides, identifying
New Zealand as a
multicultural nation.
The figures are
supported by the silver
fern, a native plant.
The St Edward's
Crown is a reminder
that New Zealand is a
constitutional
monarchy.
National "God "God Defend New Both are official,
anthems Defend "God Defend New Zealand" Zealand" was though in most
New adopted in 1977 circumstances "God
Zealand" "God Save the Queen" Defend New Zealand"
"God Save is used as the anthem.
the Queen" "God Save the Queen"
is generally used only
on regal and viceregal
occasions.
National Black, red New Zealand Red ochre (kokowai)
colours ochre and national honours has a spiritual
white/silver have used red significance in Māori
ochre, black and culture, associated
white/silver since with life and vitality.
1975. The national
Māori flag, official
since 1990, also
uses these colours
with attached
symbolism.