New Zealand

History

• 1000 year Polynesians

• 14th century, Maoris

• Abel Tasman (1642)

• James Cook (1769, penalty area)

• Maori tribes united -1835

• Colonized by GB in 1840, Treaty of Waitangi (New Zealand became Crown colony

  Maoris got ownership)

• 1907: it declared itself a dominion within the British Empire

• 1931- New Zealand becomes member of the Commonwealth

Geography

Located in the south-western Pacific Ocean

• Consists of 2 main islands – North Island (volcanic plateau) and South Island (steep mountains, deep fiords, very wet)

• And numerous smaller islands

• Southern Alps

Capital

Wellington (Auckland - largest)

Which strait separate the islands

Cook Strait

1893

Women to vote, first country in the world

Political system

• Parliamentary democracy

• Constitutional monarchy (King Charles III as head of state)

• Prime Minister is head of government

• Unicameral Parliament (House of Representatives)

• Uses Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP) voting system - local representatives and political parties gain seats in parliament in proportion to their overall share of the vote. 1 vote for electoral seats, 1 for a party

The Treaty of Waitangi (1840)

agreement between the British Crown and Māori chiefs that established British governance in New Zealand while recognizing Māori rights and land ownership

• Later: many of the rights were ignored - Waitangi Tribunal, help in rectification, compensations granted

• Today: they still face economic and social obstacles

Economy

• Strong agricultural sector (dairy, meat, wool)

• Major exports include milk products, meat, and wine

• Important service sectors: tourism, education, finance

• Relies heavily on international trade

• Close economic ties with Australia and Asia