Background: The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances.
June 4th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Central Plateau New Zealand temperatures range from sub-tropical in the north to temperate in the south. The main mountain ranges are a barrier to the prevailing westerlyl winds causing higher rainfall in the west. R ... 1 photos[full story]
March 17th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Central Plateau Well here we are off again on another Central Otago Holiday, not sure what it is that keeps drawing us back to this amazing part of New Zealand, but both Sheryll and I thoroughly enjoy each trip we ha ... 5 photos[full story]
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