Newzealandmap

New Zealand

By Noe2
  • 600 BCE

    The Maori arrive from eastern Polynesia.

    The Maori were the first inhabitants of New Zealand

  • Dutch sailor Abel Janszoon Tasman becomes the first European to reach New Zealand.

  • English explorer Captain James Cook makes the first of his three voyages to the islands.

    His journals inspire other Europeans to explore New Zealand.

  • The Maori sign the Treaty of Waitingi.

    Gave control to the British in exchange for protection and guaranteed Maori possession of their lands.

  • A decade of land wars begins between the Maoris and European settlers.

  • Gold is discovered in Tuapeka.

    This lead to a gold rush

  • New Zealand becomes the first country to give women the right to vote.

  • New Zealand gains independence from Great Britain.

  • New Zealand hosts and wins the inaugural Rugby World Cup.

  • Jennifer Shipley becomes the country's first female prime minister.

  • New Zealand sends military forces to Afghanistan for the third time at the request of the U.S.