About New Zealand - New Zealand History

Early History

The Polynesian Maori first settled New Zealand at least 1000 years ago. The first European visitor was the Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1642. But it was not until the voyages of Captain James Cook in 1769 and 1779 that the islands were charted and explored.

British settlers began to emigrate after British sovereignty was established in 1840, and Wellington was founded soon afterwards. New Zealand was granted internal self-government in 1852, and the later years of the century saw a rapid growth in investment, communications and agricultural production. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country in the world to extend the vote to women.

New Zealand became a Dominion in 1907, and its forces took part in both World Wars. The country is a member of the Commonwealth and also several other international organizations, including ANZUS, the Five Power Defense Agreement and the South Pacific Forum.

Membership of Western alliances was suspended, however, when Labour Prime Minister David Lange, elected in 1984, declared New Zealand nuclear-free and prevented US and British vessels which might be nuclear-powered or carrying nuclear weapons from entering New Zealand's ports. These policies put the small country on the international stage. New Zealand is now respected as a Green-Zone boasting clean and natural power generation from hydro and thermal sources. New Zealand's natural beauty is a memory that will capture your soul.