-
There is evidence that humans were present in New Zealand perhaps 1000 years before the Europeans. But it was not until between 952 and 1150 that Polynesians arrived on these lands.
-
The first European to see New Zealand was a Dutch navigator, Abel Tasman, in 1642.
-
Later, in 1769, the English Captain James Cook explored the coastline in depth and many European settlers were attracted by the hunting and logging activities.
-
In 1840, the UK established British sovereignty through the Treaty of Waitangi, which the Maori also signed. It is considered the founding act of New Zealand. At the same time, many conflicts broke out between the Maoris and the British, who were seeking to colonise. Many Maori lost their lives.
-
In the 1850s a constitutional government was established. In 1867, Maori were given the right to have a number of reserved seats in Parliament.
-
In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the vote as a result of new social institutions.
-
From 1907 until 1947, the country was declared a "dominion" (dependent territory of the British Empire). Although its autonomy was only formalised with the adoption of the Statute of Westminster, the UK had long since ceased its political interventions in the country.
-
In 1953, New Zealand, Australia and the United States concluded a security pact (ANZUS) agreeing that the 3 countries would consult each other in the event of a security threat in the Pacific. US naval forces have been strengthened by access to New Zealand's coastline.
-
Following worrying nuclear tests in the South Pacific, the Labour government was re-elected in 1984, and pledged to ban nuclear-armed or nuclear-powered warships from New Zealand ports. This led to a disagreement with the US and New Zealand's suspension from the ANZUS alliance.
-
In 1996, New Zealand introduced a mixed member proportional system for the election of its Parliament. This system is intended to increase the representation of small parties in Parliament. This has obviously worked, as since 1996 neither the National nor the Labour Party has had an absolute majority in Parliament.
