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 22nd 2008Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Great Barrier Island These photos from this last weekend of diving came from the underwater camera that was left with me this summer. Obviously unless you're diving with full sunlight they are useless, but fun none the le ... 5 photos[full story]
March 11th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Great Barrier Island Auckland - Tryphena - Medlands - Haratonga - Port Fitzroy - Windy Canyon - Mount Hobson - South Fork - Port Fitzroy - Auckland
Our journey to Great Barrier Island began as every journey should: wit ... 18 photos[full story]
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