-
Dec 21, 600
Maori
The first inhabitants of New Zealand, the Maori, arrive from eastern Polynesia. -
Dutch Setteler
Dutch sailor Abel Janszoon Tasman becomes the first European to reach New Zealand. -
English Explorer
English explorer Captain James Cook makes the first of his three voyages to the islands. His journals inspire other Europeans to explore New Zealand. -
Treaty of Waitangi
The Maori sign the Treaty of Waitangi giving control to the British in exchange for protection and guaranteed Maori possession of their lands. -
Land Wars
A decade of land wars begins between the Maoris and European settlers. -
Gold rush
Gold is discovered in Tuapeka. This leads to a gold rush -
Womens rights
New Zealand becomes the first country to give women the right to vote. -
Self govern
The country becomes a dominion, or self-governing community, within the British Empire. -
Independance
New Zealand gains independence from Great Britain. -
Emund Hillary
New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary becomes the first person to climb to the top of Mount Everest.
