New Zealand History Timeline ↓

1642Abel Tasman anchors at Golden Bay.
1769NZ is sighted by Captain James Cook aboard the Endeavour.
1840 The Treaty of Waitangi is signed.
1854NZ’s first Parliament sits in Auckland (it later moves to Wellington).
1868 The first Maori MPs, Frederick Nene Russell and Tareha Te Moananui, are elected to Parliament.
1884 The first representative NZ rugby team tours New South Wales in Australia.
1893 NZ becomes the first country in the world to allow women to vote.
1908 Ernest Rutherford wins the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
1931 The Hawke’s Bay earthquake destroys much of Napier and Hastings, killing over 250 people.
1947 Independence from Britain is formally proclaimed.
1974The Commonwealth Games are held in Christchurch.
1987 The New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act is passed into law, establishing New Zealand as a nuclear weapon-free zone.
2004 Maori Television begins broadcasting.
2008 John Key is elected Prime Minister.
2010 An earthquake shakes Christchurch.
2011 Another major earthquake strikes Christchurch.

History of NewZealand

NewZealand has a rich and fascinating history,reflecting our unique mix of Maori and European culture.

Maori were the first to arrive in NewZealand, journeying in canoes from Hawaiki about 1,000 years ago. A Dutchman, Abel Tasman, was the first European to sight the country but it was the British who made New Zealand part of their empire.

Treaty of Waitangi

On 6th February ,1840 the Treaty of Waitangi (Waitangi means weeping (or noisy) waters) an agreement between the British Crown and Maori was signed at Waitangi (Bay of Islands)

History-Treaty of waitangi-NewZealand

three articles of treaty

The English and Maori versions of the treaty both contain three articles. However, as the Treaty was written and translated by people with little or no legal experience, the Maori translation differs widely in interpretation from the English version.

The first article covers sovereignty. The English version states that Maori give up their 'kawanatanga' (governorship or sovereignty) to the British Crown. However, while the English version describes a complete transference of power to the Crown, the Maori version implies a sharing of power.

The second article concerns 'tino rangatiratanga' or chieftainship. The Maori version promises much broader rights for Maori in regard to possession of their existing 'taonga' (treasures). The English version gives Maori control over their lands, forests, fisheries, and other properties. But the Maori version, with its use of the word 'taonga', implies possession and protection of things such as language and culture.

The third Article promises Maori the rights of all British subjects, while protecting traditional and customary rights.

It established British law in New Zealand and is considered as the New Zealand’s founding document and an important part of the country's history. The building where the treaty was signed has been preserved and, today, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a popular attraction.

Waitangi Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a popular destination for tourists, both domestic and international. The new Museum of Waitangi, which was opened on Waitangi Day 2016,is a modern and comprehensive showcase of the role of the Treaty of Waitangi in the past, present and future of New Zealand. The museum building houses a permanent exhibition Ko Waitangi Tenei: This is Waitangi which explores the stories of Waitangi and features many valuable and significant historic pieces.

The Waitangi Visitor Centre has an impressive audio visual show that tells the story of Waitangi and surrounding areas. There are also live cultural performances, a gift shop and an artefacts gallery.