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Abel Tasman made a sighting of New Zealand. He was the first European to discover these islands.
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In 1840, Maori and United Kingdom signed a treaty which established British sovereignty over New Zealand.
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The Maori Wars were a couple of conficts, between 1845 and 1872, because the Maori didn't want to be under colonial authority. Many Maori and English settlers died during these wars.
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In 1867, the Maori won 4 reserved seats in Parliament.
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New Zealand was the first country to allow women to vote.
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New Zealand became a dominion (a practically independent state) in 1907.
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In 1947, New Zealand collaborated with several nations (the USA, France, Autralia...) to create the South Pacific Commission. Its goal is to promote the welfare of the Pacific.
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In 1971 was created the Pacific Islands Forum, an association of different countries of the Pacific Ocean (New Zealand, Australia...) to enhance their economy and the quality of their inhabitants' quality of life.
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In 1996, they changed their electoral system from FPP to MMP. It allowed the smallers parties to be more represented in Parliament.
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The first Polynesians arrived in New Zealand in 952. Later, they will be known as "Maori".
