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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.
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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.
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Gold is discovered in Tuapeka.
This lead to a gold rush -
New Zealand becomes the first country to give women the right to vote.
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New Zealand gains independence from Great Britain.
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New Zealand hosts and wins the inaugural Rugby World Cup.
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Jennifer Shipley becomes the country's first female prime minister.
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New Zealand sends military forces to Afghanistan for the third time at the request of the U.S.