Settlement of New Zealand By dparshotam Period: Jan 1, 1250 to Jan 1, 1947 Settlement of New Zealand Feb 1, 1275 First Polynesians arrived in New Zealand around 1250-1300AD May 4, 1642 Abel Tasman and his crew, who were the first Europeans to arrive in New Zealand, came in 1642 AD. Feb 2, 1769 Captain James Cook arrived in New Zealand in 1769. Feb 6, 1840 Treaty of Waitangi signed on the 6th February 1840. Feb 2, 1854 New Zealand became a crown colony in 1854, and the capital was moved from Okiato to Auckland. Feb 2, 1854 In 1854 the 1st New Zealand parliament met, following New Zealand’s first general election. Feb 2, 1856 In 1856 New Zealand became a self-governing country and gaining the responsibility to take care of all internal affairs. Feb 2, 1860 In the 1860s – 1870s the Maori Land Wars occurred, which caused the loss of many Maori lives. Feb 2, 1893 In 1893, New Zealand became the first country in the world to allow women the right to vote. Feb 2, 1907 In 1907, New Zealand was officially declared a Dominion within the British Empire. Feb 2, 1947 In 1947, New Zealand officially became Commonwealth country.
