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.
March 9th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Kahurangi National Park New Zealand, stage two of our global travels. Saying our farewells to Fiji we flew to Christchurch on 17th February on an easy four hour flight. Landing at Christchurch was a relief . Firstly, the tem ... 17 photos[full story]
January 16th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Kahurangi National Park Alright folks, i know we haven't written in quite some time but it's only because we were preparing the best blog yet. We've just finished the Heaphy Track in the South Islands of New Zealand and had ... 51 photos[full story]
Map of New Zealand
New Zealand's Flag
