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The first Polynesians arrive in New Zealand (some scientists believe this occurred later). -
Abel Tasman is the first European to sight the country. -
Captain James Cook is the first European to explore, and set foot in, New Zealand. -
European seal hunters and whalers move into the region. -
First European settlers arrive in Russell. -
Anglican Mission established at Bay of Islands. -
The Maori “Musket Wars” begin; 12 years of inter-tribal conflict kills 20,000 people. -
Maori chiefs sign the Treaty of Waitangi. Auckland becomes the capital. New Zealand Company colonists reach Wellington and establish settlements. -
Hone Heke cuts down the flagstaff at Kororareka (Russell); 1,000 Maori take arms against the British. -
New Zealand becomes a self-governing British colony. Gold rush and land struggles. -
Maori Land Wars (New Zealand Wars); vast tracts of land are confiscated. Wellington becomes New Zealand’s capital. Maori are given the vote. -
Women are given the vote, 25 years before Britain and the US. -
New Zealand suffers heavy losses in Gallipoli campaign of World War I. -
World War II breaks out. New Zealand suffers heavy losses. -
New Zealand becomes fully independent. -
Maori becomes an official language by law. -
Civil Union Act passed.