New Zealand is a fairly young country having gained full independence from Britain, under the Statute of Westminster, only in 1947. However, New Zealand has had an intriguing history in its short existence, mainly influenced by two peoples, the Maoris and the Europeans. Today, an independent and strong nation, the history of New Zealand has helped this country become a fascinating and interesting place with its own unique culture and an excellent destination to vacation in.

New Zealand History – Arrival of the Maori

The first people to settle on New Zealand were Eastern Polynesians, who migrated here somewhere between 800 and 1300 AD. And while the timeline of their migration is known, what continues to remain a mystery even to this day is, where did these people come from? Over the years, these Eastern Polynesians developed their own culture and distinct values and came to be known as Maori. And while the Maoris used no metal and had no written language, they were a highly skilled and enterprising people with a deep and rich cultural and spiritual life. The Maori referred to New Zealand as Aotearoa or the ‘land of the long white cloud.’

New Zealand History – European Influx

The first European to discover New Zealand was Abel Janszoon Tasman in 1642. A Dutch explore, Abel Tasman and his crew sailed into Golden Bay in the South Island. Unfortunately while they were here, several of the crew was killed by the Maori, causing him to turn around and flee the area, never to return. Subsequently, Dutch cartographers named the island Nieuw Zeeland. For the next 127 years no Europeans came to this region until 1769, when Captain James Cook landed here. It was Captain Cook who anglicized the name Nieuw Zeeland to New Zealand.

From here on, many more British, French and American ships came to this region for trade, food and labor. Whaling and sealing vessels also used New Zealand as a convenient stopover. Soon trade began with the Maoris, which had an enormous impact on them. In exchange for food and other goods, the Maoris were given muskets and other weaponry, which resulted in warring tribal factions fighting even more and giving rise to a period known as the Musket Wars. However, by the 1830’s these wars ended and tribal balance was restored. During this period, many attempts were made by the British especially, to gain some control in New Zealand, but their efforts were by and large unsuccessful.

New Zealand History – The Treaty of Waitangi, British Colonization and Independence

In 1840 the British negotiated a deal with the Maoris, which resulted in the Treaty of Waitangi being signed in the Bay of Islands on February 6, 1840. This treaty is considered as the foundation stone of New Zealand and is revered by the Maori as a guarantee of their rights. This treaty gave them total control over their possessions and land, while giving British citizens rights as well.

In 1841 New Zealand became a British colony, and by the 1850’s limited self governance was granted. Towards the end of the 19th century, New Zealand was practically governing itself. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant women the right to vote. In 1907, the British granted independent dominion status and in 1947 New Zealand became an independent country. Playing an important role in world politics, New Zealand also participated in the Boer War, World War I, World War II and the Suez Crisis.

Today, New Zealand is a well developed country, with a thriving economy. Though still dependent on agriculture and farming, tourism and other sectors of this country are growing, such as New Zealand’s wine industry which is burgeoning at the moment, with some excellent vintages grown here.