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 11th 2008Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Punakaiki & the Pancake Rocks Last night in Hanmer Springs the sky opened up to a spectacular view of the stars. We have never seen so many stars in the sky as we listenend to Chris Tomlin's song . Early this morning we drove th ... 3 photos[full story]
January 23rd 2008Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Punakaiki & the Pancake Rocks After a relaxing nights sleep, we set off at about 9am to a place called Cape Foulwinds (no it wasn't named that because people keep farting here, it was because of the strong winds Captain Cook encou ... 13 photos[full story]
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